Generalist Track Course Description

GENERALIST TRACK COURSES

SPRING 2008

TUESDAYS      5:20 PM – 8:20 PM

CEZ 545     INTRODUCTION TO AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

This course provides an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) aimed towards an understanding of issues regarding possible causes, prevalence, diagnosis and classification, early identification, educational interventions, medical and behavioral treatment options, individual differences and co-morbidities.  Students will explore these areas through lecture, video presentations and class discussion for the purpose of achieving an acceptable level of competency in recognizing autism in its various forms, understanding the cognitive, social and behavioral deficits associated with each subtype, and preparing for more in-depth instruction on the education and treatment practices currently in place for children with this disorder.

THURSDAY       5:20 to 8:20 pm

CEZ 546     BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM AND RELATED DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Recent studies estimate that as many as one out of 150 people may be affected by autism spectrum disorders. Although the course is primarily designed for teachers, school psychologists, related service providers, school administrators, and allied health professionals are also increasingly likely to work with children and adolescents who have an autism spectrum disorder, and will find this course useful. This course will provide students with a foundation in behavioral principles. Students will learn how to operationally define and measure behavior using behavioral criteria. The course will provide instruction on how to collect, graph, and use data to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional, educational and behavioral treatments.  Students will be able to apply behavioral principles to conduct a functional behavior assessment.  Students will learn behavioral procedures that are necessary to increase, decrease, and eliminate behaviors to promote adaptive behaviors and positive outcomes for students with autism spectrum disorders.