AUT 527 - Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders

(Cr: 3)

It has been more than fifty years since the social and communication differences characteristic of autism were first described by Leo Kanner. During this time, research has produced a wealth of knowledge about the complex developmental processes involved in autism. The triad of impairments in social relationships, communication, and behavior and their relationship with the idiosyncratic profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses will be discussed in this course. This course will provide a framework for understanding these developmental differences in children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The definitions and critical features of autism spectrum disorders will be delineated. The learning, behavioral, and social characteristics of autism will be highlighted. In addition, we will review the state-of-the-art means of diagnosis and assessment of ASD.