SPTHAUD 6150 - TOPICS IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

[3 Credits]

This course targets topics relevant to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) within life course and social determinants of health (SDoH) frameworks. Classes focus on strategies, systems and resources relevant to children with ASD/NDD and their families. Content and experiences are organized around developmental periods including: pre-, peri-, and post natal, early childhood, school, transition to adulthood and adulthood. This course utilizes a flipped classroom approach. Students are first exposed to materials outside of the classroom through readings, videos, discussion boards, etc.; then come to class to assimilate information acquired outside of class via discussions, case studies, in-class activities, etc. Faculty members provide guidance, support and feedback before, during and after class. The course also includes embedded clinical/field experiences to provide students opportunities for application and reflection. Students are required to complete experiences that focus on early detection, diagnosis, care coordination and treatment of children who have, or are at risk for, ASD/NDD. In addition, students complete experiences in educational and community settings. These experiences focus on prevention, early detection, intervention, and community integration. For example, students participate in the ASD Interdisciplinary Diagnostic clinic to observe, participate and reflect on comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluation, diagnosis and development of evidence-based recommendations for children with/or at risk of AS.