SE 921 - Autism: Characteristics, Research, and Interventions

(3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: SE 761 or equivalent or written permission of the program director. An overview of autism and the variety of autism spectrum disorders. Students become familiar with common characteristics, symptoms, and differential diagnostic criteria of autism, Asperger's syndrome, Fragile X, and other pervasive developmental disorders. Current research findings related to etiology and increase in prevalence rates are examined. Students learn research-supported interventions for children with autism, including behavior modification, communication development strategies, social skill training, applied behavior analysis, discrete trial methods, and functional communication training. Special emphasis is placed on the educational implications for the student with autism and the professionals and paraprofessionals who serve them.