Revised 08/2022

EDU 270 - Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 CR.)

Course Description

Explores the nature of autism and related development disorders. Includes an exploration of assessment measures and diagnostic criteria. Discusses intervention strategies to support students in school settings.

Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

EDU 270 provides future and current teachers insight into students with autism and strategies for assessing and serving those students.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: EDU 200 or departmental approval.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Describe the characteristics of Autism Spectrum DSM-VR.
  • Analyze how Autism Spectrum Disorders may impact a student in the classroom.

Assessing and Diagnosing ASD

  • Discuss possible causes for the rise of identified cases of autism spectrum disorders.
  • Explain why intellectual performance, speech and language, and adaptive behavior must be assessed when evaluating for an ASD.
  • List and describe at least 3 diagnostic tools used to assess ASD.
  • Describe the best practice assessment guidelines for individuals with ASD.

Sensory Integration Disorders

  • Identify behaviors that may indicate a sensory processing disorder.
  • Evaluate how sensory processing disorders affect the behavior and daily living skills of individuals with ASD.
  • Identify basic interventions to help children who have sensory challenges. 

Collaboration with Families

  • Discuss the impact of autism on the siblings and parents of a child with ASD.
  • Explain how culture and location impact a family’s response to ASD, including preferences related to person-first or identify-first language and perceptions of interventions such as ABA.
  • Explain the importance of communication and collaboration with families.
  • List strategies for effective communication with families.
  • Identify at least 5 support services for family members of a child with autism.

Instructional Strategies

  • List appropriate accommodations and modifications for children with ASD.
  • Identify components of Universal Design to modify instruction to meet the academic needs of students.

Assistive Technology

  • List the benefits of assistive technology for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • Identify at least 5 different assistive technologies including augmentative communication devices to support students with ASD.
  • Create a brochure on assistive technologies to share with parents or other professionals.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Assessing and Diagnosis ASD
  • Sensory Integration Disorders
  • Collaboration with Families.
  • Instructional Strategies
  • Assistive Technology