Minors: Autism

The minor in autism provides students with doctoral level knowledge and skills to assess and to provide intervention and support to individuals with autism and to family members of those with autism. Current research, evidenced-based practice, and problem-based learning will be emphasized throughout the coursework in this area of study.

EDD 8801: Seminar in the Behavior Communication Connection for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This course will include an in-depth coverage of the multiple etiological factors of autism and the current research in the bio-medical field. Literature that links theory with research and practice in the areas of symptomatology, interventions, and outcomes will be examined. The effects of autism on family systems will be explored through both stories of family members and the research literature.

EDD 8802: Seminar in the Nature of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This course will focus on diagnostic frameworks, the instruments and tests, which form the basis of diagnosing children with autism spectrum disorders. The diagnostic process in older adolescents and adults will also be covered. The use of assessment in program planning will be covered through both discipline specific and transdisciplinary procedures. The research behind the development of instruments specific to autism will be discussed.

EDD 8803: Advanced Topics in Assessment of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The number of interventions used with individuals with autism spectrum disorders continues to increase. The theoretical foundation and research base behind the interventions will be covered in-depth. The literature that links assessment to intervention will be used to form the base of intervention planning for individuals with autism. Helping families make decisions based upon their child’s symptom presentation will be a focus of this course.

EDD 8804: Advanced Topics in Interventions for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
This course will include the use of actual assessment tools to perform a functional analysis of behavior upon which hypotheses regarding the function of challenging behaviors will be made. Intervention techniques, which focus on the development of functional communication will be researched and implemented. Applied behavior analysis will form the basis of assessment and intervention strategies for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

EDD 8805: Seminar in Professional Issues in Leading Programs for Students with Autism
This course is designed to prepare individuals in leadership positions of programs for students with autism. Topical content will include essential elements for educational programs, planning and implementing professional development activities, strategic planning for school districts and agencies, legal issues in the education of students with autism, dealing with resistant staff, and resolving conflicts with parents.

EDD 8806: Special Topics Across the Life Span for Individuals with Autism
This course will include topics that either affect individuals with autism and their families at particular points in the life span, including diagnosis, early intervention, transition from school to adulthood, and adulthood.  Other special topics will include treatment of dually diagnosed individuals with autism and mental health diagnoses, and autism and sensory impairment. Consideration of extremely cognitively impaired and gifted individuals with autism will also be included.