Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

In order to adequately meet the needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, professionals need to understand the characteristics of this disorder and how to properly implement assessment tools. Our Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders course aims to provide school-based professionals with practical information for identifying, assessing, and intervening with school-age children on the autism spectrum. Throughout this course we will examine challenges, evidence-based practices, and applications of evidence-based interventions within the school setting.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

• Recognize the concepts behind autism spectrum disorders and how the disorder has evolved over time
• Recall how to perform behavioral screenings in order to document presence and severity of symptoms
• Identify best practices in assessment, treatment, intervention, and special education
• Describe the future direction for autism research and practice in schools

Module 1 - Behavioral Screening

Module 2 - Best Practice in Assessment

Module 3 - Case Examples, Treatment, and Intervention

Module 4 - Special Education and Future Directions

Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Module 1

Behavioral Screening

Autism is much more prevalent than previously thought. It is considered a spectrum condition based on symptom severity and the need for customized support. Module one describes an overview of autism spectrum disorders and its history of clinical conceptualization. We’ll discuss core features of ASD and best practices in screening, diagnosis, and assessment.

• Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Gender Gap
• Core Features of ASD
• Screening Tools for School-Age Children
• Psychometric Properties

Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Module 2

Best Practice in Assessment

In module two, we discuss the comprehensive developmental assessment approach and how to assess the core domains of ASD. Some aspects that are looked at involve record review, developmental/medical history, medical screening/evaluation, parent/caregiver interview, and direct observations.

• Comprehensive Developmental Assessment Approach
• Core Assessment Domains
• Additional Domains of Assessment
• Medical Screening/Evaluation
• Direct Observation

Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Module 3

Case Examples, Treatment, and Intervention

Supporting children with ASD requires effective treatment and intervention strategies. Module three examines several case studies that illustrate the comprehensive developmental approach to assessment. We’ll also look at components of evidence-based practices and systematic research reviews.

• Types of Case Examples
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Systematic Research Reviews
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Treatments
• Pharmacological Treatments

Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Module 4

Special Education and Future Directions

Educational provisions are considered to be the most effective treatment for children with autism. In the final module of this course, we’ll examine some best practices in special education and special education laws. We’ll discuss the concepts behind the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Response to Intervention, and Individualized Education Programs. Finally, we’ll take a look at the future directions for research and practice.

• Special Education Law
• Response to Intervention (RTI)
• Individualized Education Program (IEP)
• School Personnel
• Policy Issues

No prerequisites required.

All materials included in course.

Internet Connection

• Broadband or High-Speed - DSL, Cable, and Wireless Connections

*Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Classroom pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.

Hardware Requirements

• Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
• Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended

PC Software Requirements

• Operating Systems - Windows 10 or higher
• Microsoft Office 2019 or higher. Also, you could use a general Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
• Cookies MUST be enabled
• Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• The Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
• PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
• Adobe PDF Reader
• QuickTime, Windows Media Player &/or Real Player

MAC Software Requirements

• Operating Systems - Mac OS version 11 or higher
• Mac office programs or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
• Cookies MUST be enabled
• Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• The Amazon Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
• PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
• Adobe PDF Reader
• Apple QuickTime Media Player