SpEd 410/510 Autism: Generalization Strategies Using the STAR Program and FACTER (3 credits)

Learn skills and generalization of skills within typical functional routines for children with autism focusing on the STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research) and FACTER Programs (Functional Assessment and Curriculum for Teaching Everyday Routines). Learn assessment and instructional strategies for use with EI/ECSE, elementary, middle, and high school students, utilizing pre-routine and during-routine activities such as discrete trial, pivotal response training, and visual systems. Students enrolled in this course are encouraged to enroll in the field experience course, SpEd 409/509 Autism Practicum: Application of Generalization Strategies, during the same term.

SpEd 409/509 Autism Practicum: Application of Generalization Strategies (1 credit)

Implement the strategies learned in SpEd 410/510 Autism: Generalization Strategies Using the STAR Program and FACTER. It is anticipated that students will complete this practicum at the school in which they are employed or will be assigned to a classroom through the PSU Autism Training and Research Center. Co-requisite: Autism: Generalization Strategies Using the STAR Program and FACTER.

SpEd 410/510 Autism: Instructional Strategies and Curriculum for Students with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Disorder (3 credits)

Focus on identifying and meeting the needs of students with Asperger's syndrome and high-functioning autism. Learn to assess each student's individual strengths and challenges and develop effective strategies to assist them to be successful in regular classrooms. Also, explore how to expand their interests and social skills as well as to prepare them for adult life. Discuss current articles, research, issues, opinions, and controversies as they pertain to each content area. To fulfill the 19-credit curriculum and earn the Certificate of Completion, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to enroll in the field experience course, SpEd 409/509 Autism Practicum: Application of Strategies for Teaching Social Skills, Organizational Skills and Self Determination, during the same term.

SpEd 409/509 Autism Practicum: Application of Instructional Strategies and Curriculum (1 credit)

Implement the strategies learned in SpEd 410/510 Autism: Instructional Strategies and Curriculum for Students with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Disorder. It is anticipated that students will complete this practicum at the school in which they are employed or will be assigned to a classroom through the PSU Autism Training and Research Center. Corequisite: Autism: Instructional Strategies and Curriculum.

SpEd 410/510 Autism: Functional Behavioral Support and Strategies for Working with Families of Children with Autism (3 credits)

Learn to implement a system of functional assessment and functional behavioral support in order to deal with challenging behavior associated with children with autism from diverse backgrounds (e.g., language, culture, socioeconomic). Learn how to shape appropriate behavior. Learn to work with families to improve communication and generalization of skills and to implement positive behavior support plans for their children. To fulfill the 19-credit curriculum and earn the Certificate of Completion, students enrolled in this course are encouraged to enroll in the field experience course, SpEd 409/509 Autism Practicum: Application of Behavioral Support Strategies, during the same term.

SpEd 409/509 Autism Practicum: Application of Behavioral Support and Strategies (1 credit)

Implement the strategies learned in SpEd 410/510 Autism: Functional Behavioral Support and Strategies for Working with Families. It is anticipated that students will complete this practicum at the school in which they are employed or will be assigned to a classroom through the PSU Autism Training and Research Center. Corequisite: Autism: Functional Behavioral Support and Strategies.

SpEd 410/510 The STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research)

Learn how to teach students with autism using the STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research). The program uses the three strategies of discrete trial training, pivotal response training, and teaching functional routines to teach students with autism. The STAR curriculum covers expressive language, receptive language, spontaneous language, pre-academic skills, play and social skills and, functional routines. The course uses lecture, videotape examples, student activities and practice. Students learn to develop an individualized program plan for a student with autism. For more information on the STAR curriculum go to www.starautismprogram.com.

SpEd 409/509 Autism Practicum: Application of the STAR Program

Implement the strategies learned in SpEd 410/510 The STAR Program (Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research). It is anticipated that students will complete this practicum at the school in which they are employed or will be assigned to a classroom through the PSU Autism Training Research Center. Corequisite: Autism: The STAR Program.

SpEd 410/510 Autism: Educating Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Understanding the Research) (3 credits)

Gain an understanding of the characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder, the latest etiology and educational research, a knowledge of federal and state requirements/laws, and the ability to perform assessment procedures for eligibility. Learn educational progress monitoring procedures, IFSP/IEP goal development strategies and the instructional strategies, and curriculum appropriate for children with autism spectrum disorder across the lifespan.