The concentration is comprised of two academic courses, an applications course, and two clinical practica for a total of 15 credits. Students must complete coursework and practica in the sequence listed below:
- CSD 630 Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
- CSD 634 Assessment & Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
- CSD 675 Classroom Applications in Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
- CSD 676 Practicum in Autism Spectrum Disorders I (3 credits)
- CSD 677 Practicum in Autism Spectrum Disorders II (3 credits)
Total: 15 credits
The two academic courses, CSD 630 and CSD 634, will be taught at Elms College by Dr. Kathleen Dyer, the clinical director of the River Street Autism Program at Coltsville. The classroom applications course (CSD 675) will take place at the Coltsville site and the two clinical practica (CSD 676 and 677) will involve working directly with children with autism.
- Individuals may complete the practica under a flexible format during the summer at the Coltsville site or during the academic year at their worksites.
- Individuals interested in learning about autism but not interested in pursuing the concentration may take CSD 630 and CSD 634 singly, on either a credit or audit basis. If they do choose to audit the courses, however, they may not enroll in the practica, nor may the practica be audited.
- Individuals may complete the ASD concentration without enrolling in the CAGS in CSD program.
Course Descriptions
CSD 630 Autism Spectrum Disorders (3)
This course will provide participants with an overview of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Participants will become familiar with what are considered “evidenced-based practices” when working with individuals with ASD. The instructor will present several models of intervention when working with individuals with ASD and a rationale for using the basic tenets of applied behavior analysis when designing interventions. Also, the course will explore characteristics, causes, assessment, and diagnosis of ASD.
CSD 634 Assessment & Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders (3)
The course will focus on clinical application of empirical research foundations for enhancing communication for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Students will first learn how to use specific tools for assessment. Selection of target behaviors based on these assessments will be discussed. Students will then learn to design intervention strategies for these targeted behaviors, including how teach initial speech sounds, augmentative communication, and functional communication training. Finally, issues dealing with consultation with school staff and families to enhance generalization will be discussed.
CSD 675 Classroom Applications in Autism Spectrum Disorders (3)
This course will focus on classroom applications of evidenced-based practice for students with ASD, and will be conducted in live classrooms. Topics will include communication intervention; functional analysis of problem behavior; positive behavioral supports; programming for generalization and maintenance; ethical issues; and program evaluation. This course will be held at the River Street Autism Program at Coltsville in Hartford, Connecticut.
CSD 676 Practicum in Autism Spectrum Disorders I (3)
This supervised experience will take place at the River Street Autism Program at Coltsville in Hartford, or at the student’s worksite, if appropriate. This experience provides students with a graduated sequential program intended to develop clinical/teaching skills necessary for working with children with autism. Prerequisites: CSD 630, CSD 634, CSD 675, and permission of Dr. Dyer.
CSD 677 Practicum in Autism Spectrum Disorders II (3)
This supervised experience will take place at the River Street Autism Program at Coltsville in Hartford, or at the student’s worksite, if appropriate. This experience provides students with an advanced program aimed at refining clinical/teaching skills required for working with children with autism. Prerequisites: CSD 630, CSD 634, CSD 675, CSD 676, and permission of Dr. Dyer.
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