Autism Studies Minor

Goal 1: Graduates of the Autism Studies Minor will know and understand the potential causes, symptoms and diagnostic criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as the specific needs of individuals with autism across the lifespan and how they are treated.

Outcome 1.1: Demonstrate knowledge of the current theories on the causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Outcome 1.2: Demonstrate knowledge of the frequency, characteristics, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Outcome 1.3: Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of stereotypes, stigma, and discrimination of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Goal 2: Graduates of the Autism Studies Minor will know and understand the specific behavioral needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders as well as behavior-based and alternative interventions to behaviors frequently displayed by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Outcome 2.1: Identify the behavioral excesses and deficits frequently displayed by children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and demonstrate understanding of approaches to treating behaviors using interventions grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis as well as medically related therapeutic services.

Outcome 2.2: Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally and in writing in the language of the discipline and the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. 

Goal 3: Graduates of the Autism Studies Minor will understand, follow and demonstrate the ethical guidelines and professional codes of conduct for working with individuals with autism.

Outcome 3.1: Demonstrate the roles and responsibilities of behavior analysts, therapists, allied health professionals and related staff, and demonstrate understanding of ethics guidelines in working with individuals with autism.

Outcome 3.2: Demonstrate understanding of ethical guidelines in working with individuals with autism. 

Goal 4: Graduates of the Autism Studies Minor will identify and understand the difficulties that families face in coping with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Outcome 4.1: Identify the impact on parents, siblings, families, and friends of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and demonstrate how to best help these individuals cope with associated stress.

Goal 5: Graduates of the Autism Studies Minor will demonstrate how to collect behavioral data using Applied Behavior Analysis; to measure the progress and to develop behavior intervention plans for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Outcome 5.1: Collect data on the progress of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and develop behavior plans.

Outcome 5.2: Identify and demonstrate methods to empirically assess and evaluate the behavior of individuals with autism spectrum disorders for the purpose of developing intervention plans.