Skip to main content
Photo of a student studying in a library

Course Description


Special Education - SPE 102

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders

3 Credit Hours
3 Lecture Hours

Course Description

This course is designed to present students with an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Included in the overview is the history of autism, identification of individuals with autism, exploring the major categories of autism and reviewing current theories and methodologies of working with individuals with autism. In addition, the course will review current legislation related to autism.

Prerequisites

(A requirement that must be completed before taking this course.)

  • None

Corequisites

(A course to be taken in the same semester as this course.)

Recommended

  • Individuals who hold a current or prior teaching certificate may be eligible to waive the corequisite. Discuss options with the department.

Course Competencies

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  • Investigate the history of individuals with autism.
  • Appraise causes for individuals with autism.
  • Contrast ages and stages of neurotypical development of children ages birth to five to those individuals who may show early characteristics of autism.
  • Investigate best practices for identifying individuals with autism.
  • Identify characteristics of school-aged individuals with autism.
  • Summarize the major categories of autism.
  • Describe how co-morbid disabilities impact individuals with autism.
  • Contrast current legislation, including child protection laws, that cover special education for individuals with autism in Michigan.
  • Identify current theories of working with individuals with autism.
  • Identify methodologies used with working with individuals with autism.
  • Describe communication issues common to individuals with autism.
  • Describe behavior issues common to individuals with autism.

Course Schedule

Currently no sections of this class are being offered.

Key: Day of the Week

  • T = Tuesday
  • R = Thursday
  • S = Saturday
  • X = Sunday