ED 267 Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Credits: 3

Covers Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) characteristics including learning style, communication, social interaction, sensory processing, behavior, visual/concrete supports, teaching strategies, and teamwork. Brings together theory and discussion; demonstration; practice and feedback; and coaching in the classroom.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify characteristics and learning styles associated with ASD as related to school settings.
Implement effective strategies to address the communication, social, sensory, and behavioral needs of students with ASD.
Analyze tasks, compile and evaluate behavioral data.
Identify their own communication, learning and relational styles in relation to those of their team members.

Content Outline

What is ASD
- Definition
- Medical diagnosis vs. educational eligibility
- Four areas of impact
  - Communication
  - Social
  - Repetitive/stereotypic behaviors
  - Sensory
- Hidden curriculum
- Lifelong goals
Understanding the BIG Picture: Learning Style
- Brain differences
- Core deficits
  - Executive functioning
  - Theory of mind
  - Weak central coherence
  - Processing
- IEPs
- Learning style bridge
Communication
- Definition
- Typical language development
- ASD impairments in communication
- Strategies for enhancing language development
Social Interaction
- Definition
- Typical friendship development
- ASD impairments in social development
- Strategies for enhancing language development
  - Problem “solving” strategies
  - Social stories
  - Comic strip conversations
  - Other strategies
Sensory
- Definition
- Typical sensory development - the 7 senses
- ASD impairments in sensory development
  - The 7 senses
  - Seeking and avoiding sensory input
- Strategies to address sensory issues
Challenging Behavior
- Definition
- Behavior as related to the core deficits
- Behavioral models and data collection
  - ABC model of behavior
  - Ziggurat model
  - Function of behavior
  - Behavior Support Plans
Visual/Concrete Supports
- Definition
- Components of effective visual/concrete supports
  - What is happening
  - What to do when things change
  - How to do work
  - How to interact with others
  - What’s in it for me?
Foundations of Good Teaching
- Evidence based practices
  - Discrete trial, pivotal response training, functional routines
- Promising practices
  - TEACCH, augmentative communication, social skills training, relationship-based models
- Components of good teaching
- Task analysis
Teaming
- Adult learning styles
- Communication styles
- Conflict
  - Definition
  - Strategies