Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - EDUC 710 G002

Special Topics

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Class Number: 10858

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Thu, 4:30–7:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Variable units 3, 4, 5.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will examine in-depth the topic of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and how ASD affects functioning within school and community contexts. We will discuss the characteristics and early identification of ASD, as well as a wide range of topics. Classes will be made up of instructor- and student-led discussions of relevant research and its application to practice. Students will have the opportunity to research in-depth a topic of their choice.


TOPICS
Identifying and Describing ASD/History and Etiology
Social interaction & Communication difficulties
Restricted, repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, or activities
Social attention/motivation theories of autism
Cognitive Theories of ASD
ASD and Academic Achievement
Reading ability in ASD
Adult outcomes
Strengths in ASD
Educational strategies
Interventions targeting social communication and social interaction
Applied Behaviour Analysis and positive behaviour support
Using technology to support students with ASD

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1) Students will gain a solid foundation of knowledge about ASD and how ASD impacts functioning within school and community environments.
2) Students will demonstrate their knowledge of a particular topic through a final paper expanding on one of the topics covered.

Grading

  • Preparedness and contribution to discussions 10%
  • Submitted discussion questions 18%
  • Class facilitation 20%
  • SFU Plagiarism Tutorial 2%
  • Paper proposal 20%
  • Final paper 30%

NOTES:

Each class will consist of informal discussions of course readings. Come to class prepared to discuss the readings. Weeks 1-4 will be class discussions that I will facilitate - topics and reading requirements are listed below. The remaining weeks will be student-led discussions and writing workshops.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Students are responsible for obtaining the papers (see for example SFU Library online search). Exceptions will be noted on the syllabus).

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS