Asperger’s Syndrome: Foundations for Intervention
EDUC 600
1 CREDIT
$150
Instructor: Michelle Kalina
Grading: Graded
Spring, Summer & Fall (Ongoing)
Instruction Mode: Correspondence
Academic Level: K-12 Professional Development
Partner Course Fee: $150
Partner Class Offered Through Northstar Continuing Education
Course Description:
Asperger’s Syndrome is sometimes referred to as “high functioning autism”. Cognitive skills are at least within the average range, ALTHOUGH language and social skills are impacted. Students will learn about the diagnostic process and how Asperger’s Syndrome differs from Autism. They will also be able to teach social understanding, expression of emotions, and friendship skills, as well as accommodate a student’s differences in language ability, coordination and sensory sensitivity. Topics in counseling students with Asperger’s Syndrome, preventing bullying and using the student’s special interests to their advantage will also be explored. The affects of Asperger’s Syndrome will be studied across the lifespan from childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. Educators will be able to adapt lessons across the curriculum and provide practical accommodations to their students with Asperger’s Syndrome to ensure successful integration in the mainstream classroom.
Objectives:
As a result of participation in this course, students should:
1. Plan and implement practical social, behavioral, neurodevelopmental, and educational interventions for elementary students.
2. Intervene and advocate for students who are in the need of counseling services.
3. Develop an appropriate sensory integration program for students with Asperger’s Syndrome.
4. Develop social communication and pragmatics groups in the school setting to teach specific conversational and friendship skills.
5, Understand the importance of a student’s special interests and how to use them to their advantage in the classroom.
Texts/Readings:
The required text is:
Attwood, T. (2006). Complete guide to Asperger’s syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Textbook(s) not included in the cost of the course.