Autism Advocate: Supporting Students with ASD

Course Description

The goal of this course is to provide Washington State Educational Service District 171 teachers with the skills necessary to advocate for and effectively teach students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Those skills will be developed through an exploration of the defining components of ASD diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and services, as well as strategies, programs, and available services for addressing the key components of ASD through evidence-based practices. Throughout the course, Washington State teachers will also be asked to reflect on their prior experience and apply the concepts and strategies they learn to improve current practices.

In the final project, participants will create a comprehensive student plan for an ASD-eligible student. The student plan will demonstrate the participant’s knowledge of the various concepts, practices, and resources explored throughout the course.

Objectives

As a result of this course, ESD 171 teachers will:

• Define Autism Spectrum Disorder by its key components.
• Differentiate between medical diagnosis and school-based ASD eligibility.
• Examine the challenges that students with ASD face with social interactions, communication, and other behaviors.
• Apply programs, services, and classroom strategies for addressing the challenges faced by students with ASD.
• Create a plan for the effective implementation of various resources to provide a holistic experience for each and every student.