The Autism Spectrum Disorder Program at SOU is designed to provide practicing educators skills and knowledge to work with students with autism spectrum disorder. The sequence combines course work and field experience providing information and practical application of strategies and techniques in diagnosing ASD, designing and implementing effective interventions, and collaborating with professionals and families. Educators wanting more skills in working with students with ASD can take any of the courses in the sequence. Special education teachers and speech language pathologist holding a communication disorders endorsement may complete the entire sequence to be eligible for the ASD Specialist designation.
The program of study is presented in a hybrid format, each course meeting 4 Saturdays throughout the respective term.
SPED 561: Foundations of Autism (3 credits)
This course emphasizes the etiology, history, definition, and scope of the many manifestations and symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. Included are current models and best practices in working with individuals and families; diagnosis of ASD; characteristics of students across the spectrum; continuum of services and placement options; community resources; and developing self-determination and advocacy for individuals with ASD.
SPED 562: Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits)
The course introduces a variety of methods to assess and diagnosis students who may exhibit, and be eligible for services, on the autism spectrum. Included will be the impact that ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity issues have on the assessment; administration and/or assisting in the completion of the required components of the assessment for the identification (initial and reevaluation); and interpretation of assessment data, summarizing and reporting results to teams, including families, in a systematic manner that leads directly to programmatic recommendations for instruction for individuals with ASD.
SPED 562L: Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder - Lab (1 credit)
This lab provides for the practical application of the methods in assessing and diagnosing students who may exhibit, and be eligible for services, on the autism spectrum. Candidates will conduct multiple assessments on students who exhibit ASD, or are currently receiving services for ASD.
SPED 563: Interventions and Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder I (3 credits)
This course focuses on the first five interventions and strategies identified in “Evidence-Based Practice: Autism in the Schools” that can be used with students on the autism spectrum disorder who are receiving special education services. Included is an understanding of the need and rationale for using specific strategies for students on the autism spectrum based on needs in the areas social-emotional, communication, cognitive, academic, sensory, leisure and adaptive development.
SPED 563L: Interventions and Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder I - Lab (1 credits)
The lab for SPED 563 provides candidates the opportunity to implement the interventions and strategies covered in the course with students on the autism spectrum disorder. Candidates will work with student across the spectrum and in a variety of settings.
SPED 564: Interventions and Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder II (3 credits)
This course focuses on the remaining six interventions and strategies identified in “Evidence-Based Practice: Autism in the Schools” that can be used with students on the autism spectrum disorder who are receiving special education services. Included is an understanding of the need and rationale for using specific strategies for students on the autism spectrum based on needs in the areas social-emotional, communication, cognitive, academic, sensory, leisure and adaptive development.
SPED 564L: Interventions and Strategies for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder II - Lab (1 credits)
The lab for SPED 564 provides candidates the opportunity to implement the interventions and strategies covered in the course with students on the autism spectrum disorder. Candidates will work with student across the spectrum and in a variety of settings.
SPED 565: Coaching, Consulting and Collaboration in Autism (3 credits)
The course will explore practical ideas, concepts, theories, and skills that ASD Specialist use to be effective in their coaching of direct service providers. This course will examine important factors that contribute to functional and successful team collaboration to improve learning for students on the autism spectrum.
