Required Courses = 8 Credits

SPED 560 - Introduction to Autistic Spectrum Disorders

2 Credits

Online

Every Semester

Prerequisite(s): Completed degree from a related field of study OR seniors who have completed T&L 315: Education of the Exceptional Student and are completing an undergraduate degree from a related field of study (see department for approval).

This is the introductory course in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autistic spectrum disorder. Its central purpose is to encourage parents and caregivers of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders to engage in reflective thinking about and critical analysis of the many and varied issues (e.g., identification, educational placement, effective treatments, vocational training) related to the provision of quality lifelong supports for these individuals.

SPED 561 - Methods for Autistic Spectrum Disorders

2 Credits

Online

Spring/Summer

Pre- and corequisite(s): SPED 560.

This is the second required course in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Its central purpose is to encourage caregivers and parents who work with persons with ASD to engage in reflective thinking about and critical analysis of the many and varied programs and methods commonly applied in practice with persons with ASD or frequently discussed in the professional literature base.

SPED 562 - ASD: Supports Across the Lifespan

2 Credits

Online

Fall/Spring

Pre- and corequisite(s): SPED 560 and 561.

This is the third required course in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Its central purpose is threefold: a) to provide current information related to the chronic stressors experienced by caregivers for and family members of persons with ASD, b) to provide current information regarding career/vocational options related to transition from high school through adult life, e.g., young adults, middle-aged adults, older adults, and c) to provide current information regarding legal issues related to the provision of lifelong supports for persons with ASD.

SPED 563 - ASD: Medical Issues & Trends

2 Credits

Online

Fall/Spring

Pre- and corequisite(s): SPED 560 and 561.

This is the final required course in a sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Its central purpose is to examine the role and future of medicine and medically oriented interventions for persons with ASD. Included in the course are discussions of issues related to conducting wellness examinations with persons with ASD, medication treatments currently available and those that will become available in the future.

Elective Courses = 4 Credits

Additional elective courses may be arranged with your faculty advisor.

SPED 564 - Structured Teaching

2 Credits

Online

Summer/Fall

Pre- and corequisite(s): SPED 560 and 561.

This is an elective course in the sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Its central purpose is to encourage parents and caregivers of individuals with ASD to engage in reflective thinking about and critical analysis of this educational approach for these persons.

SPED 565 - Methods for Students with Asperger Syndrome

2 Credits

Online

Summer

Pre- and corequisite(s): SPED 560 and 561.

This is an elective course in the sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). This course focuses specifically on the students who function at the high end of the spectrum. The purpose of this course is to provide parents, teachers, and caregivers of individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS) background, knowledge, and experience with the diagnosis and characteristics, assessments, functional analysis, various methods and practices, transition planning, and support for families related to the provision of quality lifelong supports for these individuals.

SPED 566 - Special Topics: ASD: Intensive Early Intervention

2 Credits

Online

Summer

Prerequisite(s): SPED 560 and 561 or permission of instructor.

This is an elective course in the sequence of interdisciplinary courses focusing on children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) birth to age six. Topics addressed will include basic characteristics of children with ASD birth to age six, the developmental implications for these children and their families, and research supported early interventions utilizing a family centered approach with an emphasis on natural learning opportunities.

SPED 583 - Internship in Education: ASD

1-8 Credits

Onsite

Near Local Community

Every Semester

Prerequisite(s): SPED 560, 561 and consent of the instructor.

This is a culminating experience for students in the area of autism spectrum disorders. This course is designed for students to synthesize previously learned information from coursework as they apply and implement their knowledge and skills through written products and classroom performance.

T&L 590 - Special Topics: ASD Assessment

2 Credits

Online

Fall/Spring

This course will help students gain a deeper understanding of the educational assessment, along with exploring some of the issues and controversies surround assessment.