Psychology 708

PSYC 708
Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders

1. Catalog Entry

PSYC 708
Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Prerequisites: Enrollment in school psychology graduate program with a grade of B or better in PSCY 631, PSYC 632, PSYC 635, PSYC 663, and PSYC 785 or permission of instructor

Credit hours (2)

This course will provide an overview of theoretical, research and best practice considerations regarding assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Emphasis will be placed on hands-on practice and demonstrating competency with a variety of evidenced-based assessment instruments. Specifically students will demonstrate competency with performance-based neurocognitive instruments (e.g., ADOS-2, NEPSY-II Social Cognition), narrow-band rating scales and structured diagnostic clinical interviews. Assessment training will consider use of current Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) and current IDEIA (special education) classification criteria. Developmental, subtyping, comorbidity, differential diagnosis, interdisciplinary team, and ethical considerations will be explored. This course is graded A-F.

2. Detailed Description of Course

The content of the course will cover the following:
• NASP and APA training domains and ethical guidelines will be reviewed. Any additional ethical, legal, cultural or best practice guidelines relevant for the psychological techniques or case studies will be addressed.
• Theoretical, research and best practice considerations regarding assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
• Review current Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) and current IDEIA (special education) classification for ASD diagnostic criteria
• Selection of psychological techniques and case preparation for service delivery
• Administration, scoring and interpretation of psychological assessment instruments across methods and sources (performance-based, structured interview, observation and rating scale methodology
• Oral and written communication of assessment results
• Preparing for the case study oral presentation
• Evaluating the student’s professional dispositions and effectiveness as a clinician
• Evaluating the student’s role and effectiveness in supervision sessions


3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The conduct of the course may be but is not limited to lectures; student presentations; guided practice with selected assessment instruments; administration with volunter clients; group activities; guest speakers; and case studies.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

This practicum will meet National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) training domains and American Psychological Association (APA) Learner-Centered Psychological Principles.  :

• Students will be familiar with current issues and best practice related to the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),  including interdisciplinary team approaches to evaluation;
• Students will demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and current IDEIA (special education) classification criteria associated with ASD;
• Students will be able to describe and critique assessment practices and instruments that are appropriate for children/adolescents experincing primary or seondary cognitive, academic, behavioral, social and emotional  diffciulties associated with ASD;
• Students will demonstrate competency in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected rating scales and and performance-based measures of neurocogntive functioning (e.g., ADOS-2, NEPSY-II);
• Students will demonstrate competency in clinical interviewing of teachers, parents, and children for the purposes of diagnosis/eligibility and developing interventions (e.g., ADI);
• Students will present a case study; and
• Students will be able to write clear and concise reports that integrate the results of assessment techniques and which lead to clear data-driven decisions regarding ASD diagnosis and intervention planning.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment may include but is not limited to grading rubrics for oral presentations; grading rubrics for administration and scoring competency; grading rubrics for written integrative case study reports; quizzes/exams on assigned reading and material presented in class; and written critiques of selected testing instruments or topics.

6. Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval
February 10, 2014