COURSE TITLE:

AUTISM: Questions & Answers

NO. OF CREDITS:

6 QUARTER CREDITS
[semester equivalent = 4.00 credits]

WA CLOCK HRS:
OREGON PDUs:
PENNSYLVANIA ACT 48:

60
60
60

INSTRUCTOR:

Michael Sedler
mike@communicationplus.net

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

There are many students who appear to lack social understanding, have difficulties with communication and with basic learning skills. The general term of “Autism” is often thrown about and quickly attached to these types of children.

What is Autism? What are the causes? Is there a cure? What other issues impact those children who are diagnosed and fall within the spectrum of Autism? Different people with autism can have very different symptoms.

In this course, we will learn about Autism, gain a greater medical understanding of Autism, understand characteristics and causes, as well as focus on intervention approaches and learning models that assist children within the school setting.

This course will assist anyone working with children who show characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Whether you are an educator, a parent, a relative, or simply someone who wants more understanding about this complex and confusing disorder, this course will give you a solid knowledge base.

This is a course designed for all educators working within the school setting, Pre-school through High School.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of this course, participants will have:

1. Recognized key characteristics of disorders discussed in class.

2. Listed numerous types of autism and share a greater understanding of each one.

3. Developed effective intervention approaches for children identified within the Autism Spectrum.

4. Modified curriculum to meet the special needs of children with Autism and other areas of needs.

5. Identified various methods of interventions and how they apply to varying disorders.

6. Analyzed a case study, develop interventions, and provide appropriate levels of academic activities.

7. Looked up disorders within the DSM-IV and understand general medical diagnosis information as well as purposes of medications for disorders.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of all specified assignments is required for issuance of hours or credit. The Heritage Institute does not award partial credit.

The use of artificial intelligence is not permitted. Assignment responses found to be generated by AI will not be accepted.

HOURS EARNED:
Completing the basic assignments (Section A. Information Acquisition) for this course automatically earns participants their choice of CEUs (Continuing Education Units), Washington State Clock Hours, Oregon PDUs, or Pennsylvania ACT 48 Hours. The Heritage Institute offers CEUs and is an approved provider of Washington State Clock Hours, Oregon PDUs, and Pennsylvania ACT 48 Hours.

UNIVERSITY QUARTER CREDIT INFORMATION

REQUIREMENTS FOR UNIVERSITY QUARTER CREDIT
Continuing Education Quarter credits are awarded by Antioch University Seattle (AUS). AUS requires 75% or better for credit at the 400 level and 85% or better to issue credit at the 500 level. These criteria refer both to the amount and quality of work submitted.

Completion of Information Acquisition assignments 30%
Completion of Learning Application assignments 40%
Completion of Integration Paper assignment 30%

CREDIT/NO CREDIT (No Letter Grades or Numeric Equivalents on Transcripts)
Antioch University Seattle (AUS) Continuing Education Quarter credit is offered on a Credit/No Credit basis; neither letter grades nor numeric equivalents are on a transcript. 400 level credit is equal to a "C" or better, 500 level credit is equal to a "B" or better. This information is on the back of the transcript.

AUS Continuing Education quarter credits may or may not be accepted into degree programs. Prior to registering, determine with your district personnel, department head, or state education office the acceptability of these credits for your purpose.

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

REQUIRED TEXT

You may choose a book from the Bibliography OR Select a relevant book on your own, with my prior approval.

The Bibliography is located at the end of the syllabus.

Text books may be ordered directly from the publisher (see the list/phone numbers at the back of your manual), online, or through bookstores.

None. All reading is online.

MATERIALS FEE

A course manual may be downloaded, from the instructor’s website at http://www.michaelsedler.com There is no charge of the manual. Click on classes, from there scroll down the page and click on the orange lettering ‘Manual’ next to the class “Autism...”. It will download as a PDF. While there is no fee for the manual, you may have to pay to order a book from the bibliography or one of your own choosing. Or, you may borrow one from a friend or check one out at the public library for free.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR TEACHING THIS COURSE:

Mike Sedler, M.S.W., D. Min., brings over 40 year of educational experience as a special education director, social worker, behavior specialist and teacher to each of his classes. He provides consultation and seminars throughout the United States and Canada for schools, agencies and businesses. He has a graduate degree in Social Work, a Doctoral degree in Ministry, a Counseling license, as well as his teaching certification. Mike has worked with children of all ages, specifically with children exhibiting behavioral challenges, mental health concerns, and characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addition, he taught general education classes in the elementary school and middle school arenas. All of Mikeʼs classes are practical and “field tested” in schools and classrooms. Educators have found success in implementing Mikeʼs clear and concise approaches. All of his course material may be immediately implemented into a school or a home.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

AUTISM: Questions & Answers

You may choose a book from this list or one of your own choosing that is compatible to this course. Please let the instructor know if you choose a book that is not on this list.

Brown, Thomas. ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in Smart Kids and Adults. Routledge, 2021. Explores the complexities of ADHD and Asperger’s. (P-12). www.routledge.com

Crowder, Amanda and Weed Phifer, Lisa. CBT Toolbox for Children and Teens Bundle. PESI Publishing, 2019. https://publishing.pesi.com Worksheets and activities to help students work through emotions (grades 3-12).

Grandin, Temple and Richard Panek. The Autistic Brain. Boston, MA.: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 2014. 800.225.5425. www.hmhco.com An explanation of the brain, genetics and causes of Autism along with treatment suggestions.

Grandin, Temple. Visual Thinking. Riverhead Books, 2023. Opening up the world of visual thinking. (P-12). www.riverhed-books.com

Higashida, Naoki. The Reason I Jump: The inner voice of a 13 year old boy with autism. Random House Publishing, 2016. Explains Autism from a personal perspective. (P-12). www.randomhousebooks.com

Magro, Kerry. Supporting Your Autism Journey. Independently Published, 2024. Helping individuals understand ASD. (P-12) www.amazon.com

Miller, Kelli. Thriving With ADHD Workbook For Teens. Rockridge Press, 2020 Activities to help students regulate. (6-12 grade). www.amazon.com

Price, Devon. Unmasking Autism. Harmony Publishing, 2022. Understanding neurodiversity and ASD. (P-12) www.randomhousebooks.com

Prizant, Barry. Uniquely Human. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, 2022. A common sense book with strategies for interventions and stories to assist in understanding. www.simonandschuster.com

Tompkins, Michael. Social Anxiety Relief For Teens. Instant Help, 2021. A simple 5 step process to help reduce anxiety and fears. (P-12). www.newharbinger.com