an innovative online course: autism spectrum disorders

Convenience, Collaboration and Self-Paced Learning: A unique online course in the autism spectrum disorders

When: Fall 2007

Why: Earn graduate or undergraduate college credit on a flexible schedule from your own computer

Faculty: Shirley Suzuki, M.Ed.

Introduction to the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Educational Implications and Teaching Strategies

Course Description: The course will address autism spectrum disorders from diagnosis through adulthood. The condition of autism spectrum disorder reflects a range of diversity and severity that will be examined in this course. History and current issues, including assessment methods, diagnosis, and classification will be investigated. A variety of educational theories and practices will be explored. Finally, teaching strategies that meet the needs of these diverse learners will be reviewed.

Course Objectives:

Participants will:
1. Become knowledgeable about the historical context, definitions, and diagnostic criteria relating to autism
2. Become familiar with current research relating to autism
3. Learn specific characteristics of autism spectrum disorder that affect ability to learn
4. Develop knowledge of teaching strategies that meet the needs of these diverse learners
5. Become familiar with national and international educational theories and practices

Targeted Audience: Teachers, School Administrators, Public Health Providers, Parents, Paraprofessionals, and Early Intervention Personnel.

This course may be taken for graduate credit or it may be audited.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When does the course begin?
  
  To be announced.
• Is this a graduate level course and/or can I audit the course?
  
  This is a three (3) credit graduate level course. However, individuals who want to audit the course may do so. The registration procedure is the same for graduate credit or auditing.
• How do I register?
  
  STEP ONE: Take the Online Readiness Survey
  
  On the Online Readiness Survey webpage you will access a self-administered survey which will be of significant assistance to you in helping to assess your "readiness" to participate in an online course. If you have determined that you are ready to enroll, proceed to STEP TWO.
  
  STEP TWO: Fill out the registration form. You can print out the registration form from the Lesley website.
  
  STEP THREE: Pay the tuition. Include full payment with your registration. You can pay by check, credit card, or documentation of your financial aid.
  
  Payment plans are also available. This may be helpful if you are not enrolled in finanical aid, or if your financial aid award letter has not yet come. Contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@mail.lesley.edu for additional information about this option.
  
  COSTS: All online courses are three credits. $465 per credit plus the materials fee of $40 and the $30 one-time per semester registration fee. One course: 3 credits x $465 = $1395 + $40 materials fee + $30
  
  COURSE INFORMATION:
  ESPED Number 5013 80
  Title: Introduction to the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Educational Implications and Teaching Strategies
  Faculty: Shirely Suzuki, M.Ed.
  
  STEP FOUR: Mail the registration form.
  Registrations should be sent directly to the Registrar's Office using the following address:
  
  Lesley University
  Office of the Registrar
  29 Everett Street
  Cambridge, MA 02139-2790
  
  STEP FIVE: Send an email to [to be announced prior to Fall 2007 Registration]
  
  1. Let us know that you sent in your registration.
  2. Please email your current mailing address and phone number(s) so that we will be able to send you materials or contact you by phone if necessary.
  3. If you are in education, please send your current position, subject, and grade levels served. If you are not an educator, send us your current position.