Course Syllabus
CSD 526
Autism Spectrum Disorder and SpeechLanguage Pathology
Instructor: Christine Merriman, M.A., CCC-SLP
Mission of Communicative Sciences and Disorders Program
The mission of The University of Montana, Department of Communicative Sciences and
Disorders academic and clinical program is to mentor students of strong personal character and
to establish in them a commitment to lifelong learning and interest in the process of
communication. It is to develop, within each student, compassion toward their clients and a
research posture in their service delivery. Through the program’s emphasis on typical and
atypical speech, language, and hearing, students gain knowledge, skills, and values that foster
their individual growth as well as a passion for contributing to society and improving the lives of
others.
Place of Course in Program
The purpose of this three-credit course is to provide an understanding of the characteristics of
children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The course covers the history of
autism and related disorder. We will review current research on the causes and implications of
ASD. Students will develop an understanding of the medical and school models concerns ASD ,
the diagnostic and assessment tools used and review evidence based education and treatment
methods. The course fulfills a departmental requirement for an elective course as part of the
graduate degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders.
Course Catalogue Description
Introduction to the disorder of autism through the lifespan as it impacts the scope and practice
of speech and language pathologists. The course will cover the core characteristics of ASD,
screening and diagnostics tools and procedures, program planning/service delivery models,
transition and advocacy and review of recent research relate to ASD and speech/language
pathology. 3 credit course.
Contents
Introduction
UM Mission Statements
Welcome
About the Instructor
Class Organization
Learning Outcomes / Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA)
Class Times
Class Attendance Policy
Study Commitments
Occupational Health and Safety
Content overview
Learning approaches
Classroom Lectures
Blackboard
Study Resources
Required Texts
Supplemental Texts
Support Services and Resources
Students with Disabilities
Directory of Assistance
Course Outline
Resubmission
Plagiarism Policy
Student Code of Conduct
Grading Scale
1
Introduction
UM Mission Statements
MISSION STATEMENT
THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
The University of Montana capitalizes on its unique strengths to create
knowledge, provide an active learning environment for students, and offer
programs and services responsive to the needs of Montanans. The
University delivers education and training on its four campuses and through
telecommunications to sites inside and outside of Montana. With public
expectations on the rise, the University asks its students, faculty, and staff
to do and accomplish even more than they have in the past. The dedication
to education for and throughout life reflects the commitment to service
learning and community building on and off the campuses. The University
enhances its programs through continuous quality review for improvement
and remains fully accountable to the citizenry through annual audits and
performance evaluations.
MISSION STATEMENT
THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA-MISSOULA
The University of Montana-Missoula pursues academic excellence as
indicated by the quality of curriculum and instruction, student performance,
and faculty professional accomplishments. The University accomplishes
this mission, in part, by providing unique educational experiences through
the integration of the liberal arts, graduate study, and professional training
with international and interdisciplinary emphases. Through its graduates,
the University also seeks to educate competent and humane professionals
and informed, ethical, and engaged citizens of local and global
communities. Through its programs and the activities of faculty, staff, and
students, The University of Montana-Missoula provides basic and applied
research, technology transfer, cultural outreach, and service benefiting the
local community, region, state, nation and the world.
Welcome
Welcome to CDS XX. My hope is that you will find this course informative, interesting,
comprehensive, and interactive. I strongly encourage class participation, questions, and
discussion. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time if you have questions or
concerns about your obligations in this course. If you are struggling, please don’t delay in
contacting me. If you have an honest desire to learn the material and are willing to put in
the necessary work, I will do all that I can to ensure that you do well. I ask that your
primary goal be to learn the material rather than just to achieve the best grade.
About the Instructor
CSD 640 Motor Speech Disorders
2
Course Organization
This class is a lectures, guest lectures and seminar on autism spectrum
disorder. Topics include:
.
Exams: The exams will be closed-book. That means if you are an offcampus student, you must find a proctor for the exams. Proctors need to
be approved by me no later than 1 week prior to the exam. Specific
guidelines for finding a proctor will be provided.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be open-book but will have a time limit.
There is a total of 300 pts possible in this course. Following is the point
breakdown for class assignments:
Exams = 100 pts each (200 pts total), 67% of total grade
Quizzes = 20 pts each (40 pts total), ~13% of total grade
Clinical Project = 60 pts, ~20% of total grade
Learning Outcomes
The ASHA Knowledge and Skills Acquisition (KASA) document details the
Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence (SCCC). It is utilized to
demonstrate compliance with accreditation standards related to preparing students
to meet ASHA certification requirements. It covers nine main knowledge areas
(articulation, fluency, voice and resonance, receptive/expressive language,
hearing, swallowing, cognitive aspects, social aspects, and communication
modalities) across five clinical parameters (etiology, characteristics, prevention,
assessment, and intervention). Due to the importance of the KASA standards in
tracking and documenting the student’s achievement related to these knowledge
areas and clinical parameters, they are directly related to the Learning Outcomes.
Accordingly, the relevant Standard(s) are noted under each Learning Outcome.
In this course, students’ knowledge of prevention, assessment, and intervention of motor
speech and voice communication disorders will be assessed on exams and assignments. A
competency must be Evident (70% or better) on these assessments to pass the ASHA
standards. If a student does not meet the required standard, an individualized remediation
plan will be developed. In some instances, a student may pass the course without passing all
of the competencies. The table below outlines the competencies covered in this class and
the criteria for meeting the competencies.
Knowledge
Competencies
III C
Knowledge of
language and
social
communication
disorders
Competency
The student will:
1. Understand the nature
of language and social
communication disorders
including their etiologies,
characteristics,
anatomical/physiological,
psychological, and
linguistic and cultural
Course Information
-
Evaluation Method
The student will:
Correctly answer
specific questions on
examinations that
address the nature of
social communication
disorders including
their etiologies,
characteristics,
Criteria
Mastery:
score of
90% or
better
Evident:
Remediation
Strategies
The professor will
provide
supplemental
readings and/or
additional tutorials to
support the student
in a written
assignment to meet
3
correlates.
III D
Knowledge of
prevention,
assessment,
and intervention
of language and
social
communication
disorders: ASD
2. demonstrate knowledge
of:
-
a) prevention,
b) assessment, &
c) treatment strategies
in autism spectrum
disorders
-
anatomical/physiologic
al, psychological, and
linguistic and cultural
correlates.
Write a research
paper.
Correctly answer
specific questions on
examinations that
address prevention,
assessment, &
treatment strategies in
autism spectrum
disorders.
Give a presentation on
a specific treatment
strategy.
score of
70-89%
Not
Evident:
score
below
70%
this objective’s
criteria.
The professor will
provide
supplemental
material for research
and interpretation of
literature to support
the student in
meeting this
objective’s criteria on
additional
demonstrations of
prevention,
assessment, and
treatment
techniques.
Class times
Class Attendance Policy
Students are expected to perform better if they attend all class meetings
and complete all assignments for courses in which they are enrolled. In
the event of an absence each student is responsible to obtain any
information presented or material distributed in class. The exams and quiz
dates will be given well in advance, so you are expected to make sure that
will be able to attend on those days. Exceptions for absences on exams
and quizzes will only be made for extreme extenuating circumstances and
require advance notice.
Study Commitments
This is a 3-credit class. Conventional wisdom dictates that during a regular
semester, one should spend 3-4 hours of time outside class for every
credit. That works out to about a 12- to 15-hour weekly commitment (3
hours in class, 9-12 hours outside class). Obviously, there is some
variation between students. Some will need to spend more time, while
others will be able to complete their work in less. The time you put into this
course should be spent completing the required reading, reflecting on your
CSD 640 Motor Speech Disorders
4
reading, discussing readings among your peers, and completing your
assignments. This level of involvement will prepare you for each of the
exams.
Occupational Health and Safety
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Content overview
Topic 1: Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders
a.
b.
c.
d.
Characteristics and behaviors:
Communication and language
ASD Core features : Video: A World Apart Asperger’s
Related Disorders
Topic 2: History and Theories
a. History and causes
b. Theories of Autism
Learning approaches: Theory of Mind
Topic 3 Identification and Systems
a. Identification of ASD
b. Diagnostic tools
Topic 3 Functional Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Support
Topic 4 Goals and objectives/Data collection procedures
Topic 5 ASHA evidence based practice
Topic 6 Treatments options
Topic 7 team approach and family participation
Classroom Lectures and demonstration, reading assignments, video
presentations, class discussion, clinical observations.
Blackboard
Blackboard is the University of Montana’s on-line learning system. It is
critically important that you maintain an accurate e-mail address with the
University of Montana.
In this unit, Blackboard will be used to:
Provide important announcements regarding your course

Provide discussion questions and responses

Provide assessment documents

Provide a digital dropbox for completed assignments
Course Information
5
You will need to connect to the Internet to access it, at:
http://umonline.umt.edu/
Study resources
Required texts:
Hall, L. (2008). Autism spectrum disorders: From theory to practice. Prentice-Hall.
American Psychological Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical anual (4th ed.).
New York, NY: Author.
Attwood, T. (1998). Asperger’s Syndrome: A guide for parents and professionals.
Arlington, TX: Future Horizons.
Attwood, T. (2004). Exploring feelings: Cognitive behavior therapy to manage anxiety.
Arlington, TX: Future Horizons
Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. (2006, December 18).
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report, 58, 1-20.
Support services and resources
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are encouraged to plan ahead and can contact
Disability Services for Students (DSS). For additional information, contact
DSS Director Jim Marks, Lommasson Center 154 or (406) 243-2243
(Voice/Text) or jim.marks@umontana.edu. Please visit
http://www.umt.edu/dss/ to find details about the available services.
DIRECTORY OF ASSISTANCE
Concern
Contact
Contact details
Matters concerning the course
Laurie Slovarp
Refer to the Introduction in this
Course Information
General academic issues relating
to your course
Department Chair
Refer to the UM website at
http://www.umt.edu.
& click the link to academics.
CSD 640 Motor Speech Disorders
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Blackboard difficulties
IT Helpdesk
Ph: (406) 243-4357
Website: http://umonline.umt.edu/
Difficulties accessing your Student
Computer account
Technical difficulties in PC Labs
IT Helpdesk
Ph: (406) 243-4357
Email:
Library enquiries
UM Library
Ph:
Email:
UM Bookstore
Ph:
(406) 243-1234
Fax: (406) 243-2001
email: contact@umtbookstore.com
website:
http://www.umtbookstore.com
Help with library databases,
Internet searching and Reference
queries
Purchasing of text books and
stationery
University of Montana Bookstore
University Center, 1st & 2nd Floor
5 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59801
General administration enquiries
e.g. admissions/ enrolments,
course information, graduation
Ph: 406-243-2107
Email:
Course Outline
DATE
Week 1
LECTURE TOPIC
Defining, understanding, and
categorizing MSDs
READINGS
ASSIGNMENTS
Duffy Ch 1
Duffy Ch 2
Neuro Bases
Week 2
Finish Neuro Bases
Examination of MSDs
Ch 3
Week 3
Finish Exam of MSDs
Ch 3
Week 4
Quiz 1
Flaccid and Spastic Dysarthrias
Week 5
Course Information
Ataxic, Hypokinetic, and
Hyperkinetic Dysarthrias
Quiz 1: Ch 1-3
Ch 4-5
Ch 6 - 8
7
Week 6
Week 7
Unilateral UMN and mixed
Dysarthria
Ch 9 – 10
Apraxia of speech and Neurogenic
Mutism
Ch 11-12
Differential Diagnosis
Ch 15
Management of MSDs
Ch 16-18
Exam 1
Exam 1: Motor Speech Disorders
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Anatomy and physiology of voice
Stemple Ch
2
Structural, neurogenic, & voice use
pathologies
Ch 4
Finish pathologies
Ch 5-6
Start voice evaluation
Week 11
Quiz 2
Ch 7-8
Quiz 2: Ch 2, 4, 5
Ch 7
Research papers
due
Finish voice evaluation
Week 12
Voice Treatment
Week 13
NO CLASS. THANKSGIVING!
Week 14
Voice Treatment
Ch 8
Presentations
Week 15
TBA
Treatment of the laryngectomized pt
Ch 9
Presentations
Voice Exam
Quizzes and Exams:
There will be two quizzes and two exams. Quizzes will be open book and will be worth 20
points each; exams will be closed-book and worth 100 points each. Quiz 1 will cover
motor speech covered up to that point. Quiz 2 will cover voice covered up to that point.
Exam 1 will cover all information on the motor speech section of the class. Exam 2 will
serve as the final exam and will cover all information on the voice section of the class.
Projects:
Clinical project: You will be given details of four patients - two with motor speech
disorders and two with voice disorders. Based on the information you are given, you will
provide the following: 1) mostly likely diagnosis, 2) prepare a treatment plan with a
detailed description of what treatment strategies would be most appropriate given the
CSD 640 Motor Speech Disorders
8
diagnosis you pick, and 3) write short and long-term goals. You are expected to complete
this project individually. It is worth a total of 40 points (10 points each).
Resubmission
In this course, you cannot resubmit your work for reassessment. There will
be no re-taking of quizzes or exams. Quizzes are worth a minimum
amount in this class. If you miss a quiz, there will be no making it up at a
different time. If you miss a quiz for a legitimate reason and it has a
significant affect on your grade, please see me. Taking exams on a
different day than is scheduled will only be allowed in seriously extenuating
circumstances that are completely unavoidable. You must give advanced
notice for missing an exam and exceptions will be made on a case-by-case
basis.
Plagiarism Policy
Plagiarism is the presentation of the work of another without
acknowledgement. As defined by the University of Montana’s Student
Conduct Code, plagiarism is “Representing another person's words, ideas,
data, or materials as one's own.” Staff and students may use information
and ideas expressed by others, but this use must be identified by
appropriate referencing.
Students who plagiarize may fail the course and may be remanded to
Academic Court for a possible suspension or expulsion from the University.
More information regarding student policy, academic misconduct, and
plagiarism can be found at:
http://www.umt.edu/catalog/policy_procedure.htm
Student Code of Conduct
The Student Conduct Code, embodying the ideals of academic
honesty, integrity, human rights, and responsible citizenship, governs
all student conduct at The University of Montana-Missoula. You are
expected to follow this code. It is also expected that each student will help
foster a collegial learning environment by sharing his or her experiential
and academic knowledge and practices, as well as respectfully listening to
the viewpoints of others and following basic netiquette rules. You are
expected to complete all reading assignments, written work, group
assignments, and examinations.
Grading Scale
There is a total of 300 points for this course. Final grades will be
assigned as follows:
Letter
Course Information
Percentage
9
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
93-100
90-92
87-89
83-86
80-82
77-79
73-76
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
59 or lower
CSD 640 Motor Speech Disorders