Autism Spectrum Disorders
Certificate of Completion Program (18 credits)
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The ASD program of courses has been designed to provide teachers and personnel with the most current information and strategies for their unique instructional settings.
It is recommended that you complete courses in the following order:
SpEd 486/586 Autism: Issues & Strategies
3 credits
Mickey Pardew, Ph.D. Professor at Western Oregon University
Offered Summer and Winter terms
Current knowledge and practices in the education of children and youth with ASD will be presented. Systems for identifying and prioritizing educational goals, design of curriculum, instructional strategies and communication techniques will be reviewed. Social integration and family involvement will also be addressed. NOTE: This introductory course must be taken first.
Required textbook: "Understanding the Nature of Autism: A Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders" 2nd edition (2003), Janice Janzen
SpEd 487/587 Autism: Teaching Methods & Practical Strategies
3 credits
Jennifer Rowan, M.S., SCIP (Social Communication Intervention Program) Teacher, Salem Keizer School District
Offered Summer term
Research based teaching methods for young students and emergent learners with ASD will be presented. Teaching methods to be covered include Discrete Trial, Pivotal Response Training, Structured Teaching, and PECS. Practical application of these methods in the context of behavior management, cognitive development, and daily living skills will also be discussed. Pre-requisite: SpEd 486/586 or consent of instructor.
No required textbook.
SpEd 488/588 Autism: Supporting Students with High Functioning Autism & Asperger Disorder
3 credits
Karen Jordan, M.S., Special Education Coordinator, Student Services, Salem-Keizer SD
Offered Winter term
This course will focus on identifying and supporting the needs of students with High Functioning Autism/Asperger Disorder in young children through high school. Participants will learn about assessment of individual strengths and challenges, as well as instructional strategies and supports used for teaching students with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Disorder. Participants will gain skills in addressing challenging behaviors through the use of functional behavioral assessment and the development of positive behavioral approaches. Participants will learn about the social impact, review curriculum and research regarding evidence based practices for teaching social cognition and strategies for teaching social skills. Pre-requisite: SpEd 486/586 or consent of instructor.
No required textbook.
SpEd 489/589 Autism: Secondary Transition and Community-Based Instruction
3 credits
Carolyn Smith Evans, M.A., Community Transition Teacher, Salem Keizer SD
Eivind-Erik Sorensen, M.S., Autism Specialist, Willamette ESD
Offered Spring term
This course is designed to prepare educators to support young adults with autism in making successful transitions from school settings to adult environments in the community. Topics will include information for effective support in employment and work skills, social skills and self management, accessing community services, transportation and public services, including Brokerage Agencies. Functional instruction will be covered including areas of personal safety and health, applied academics, self-advocacy and determination, and adult living skills. Participants will have the opportunity to develop transition plans and goals, and to create examples of materials and support systems to meet the visual learning needs of these students. Pre-requisite: SpEd 486/586 or consent of instructor.
Required textbooks:
1. FACTOR Program Manual, by Arick, Nave, Hoffman & King
2. Life Beyond the Classroom, Wehman (1-55766-752-7)
3. Understanding Autism for Dummies, Shore & Rastelli (0-7645-2547-6)
SpEd 490/590 Autism: Eligibility, Assessment & Effective Consultation
3 credits
Karen Jordan, M.S., Special Education Coordinator, Student Services, Salem-Keizer SD
Offered Fall term
This course will prepare the participant to better understand the educational evaluation and eligibility process for identifying children and students with ASD. Participants will review a variety of assessments and evaluation tools used for identification of ASD in the evaluation process. Participants will learn about differential diagnosis and team considerations. Participants will learn the components of effective consultation including communication, working with and teaching adult learners, time management and organizational systems. Pre-requisite: SpEd 486/586 or consent of instructor.
No required textbook.
Demonstration of Competency for Specific Coursework
3 credits
- SpEd 401/501 (1 cr.): Practicum Autism Methods (Pre-requisite: SpEd 487/587)
- SpEd 402/502 (1 cr.): Practicum HF Autism Asperger (Pre-requisite: SpEd 488/588)
- SpEd 403/503 (1 cr.): Practicum Autism: MS/HS Instruction (Pre-requisite: SpEd 489/589)
We recommend you take the practica after completing all the coursework.
Completion of all 18 credits and attendance at all course meetings is required to earn the certificate.
Winter Term 2010 Class
SpEd 488/588 Autism: Supporting Students with High Functioning Autism & Asperger Disorder
| Instructor | Karen Jordan |
| Dates & Times | Three Saturdays: January 9, February 6, and March 6 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm |
| Credits | 3 |
| Textbook | None required |
| Tuition ** | $345 Undergrad (Sorry, vouchers are not accepted) $849 Grad (Sorry, vouchers are not accepted) |
| CRN | 22036 Undergrad 22037 Graduate |
| Registration | Complete a Registration Form and mail or fax |
* To keep costs as low as possible, students will be responsible for acquiring texts from their own source.
** Tuition and fee rates are determined by the State Board of Higher Education and are subject to change.
For More Information
For more information about course content, please contact:
Mickey Pardew
pardewm@wou.edu
For other information, please contact:
Division of Extended Programs
Western Oregon University
(503) 838-8483 or extend@wou.edu
To Register
Online registration is available at www.wou.edu/registrar
Or you may register over the phone at (503) 838-8483.
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