Department of Special Needs and Inclusive Education
Dilla University
Institute of Educational & Behavioral Sciences
Program
Course Code
Course Title
Degree Program
Module Name
Special Needs and Inclusive Education
SNIE2043
Education of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Under graduate (Regular)
Inclusive Education I
Module No
ECTS Credits (CP)
04
5
Target Group
Special Needs and Inclusive Education Students
Year
Prerequisite
Status of the Course
Instructor / Tutor
Office
2nd
None
Compulsory
Course Description
This course is designed to offer introductory information about the syndrome of autism. It presents
the facts as to when autism was first identified in modern medicine, the definition, causes,
symptoms, types and treatment of autism, the medical diagnosis, and past and current incidence
rates. The students will learn to identify autism by main and secondary characteristics. Students
completing this course will be exposed to an ideal assessment for autism. A variety of assessment
instruments is presented as well as the most essential components of the assessment will be
discussed.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course students will be able to:
 Define autism
 Know the types and causes of autism
 Understand symptoms and treatment methods of autism
 Recall the diagnostic criteria for identifying a person for the autistic disorder
 Identify autism by its main characteristics
Conceptual Focus
Readings/Assignments
Methods and
Activities
1. Introductions
 Definition of Autism and autism
spectrum disorders

Diagnostic
Criteria
for
Autistic
Disorder
 Incidence Rate

Gender Ratio
 IQ and Autism
2. Causes
 Rett syndrome
 Fragile X syndrome
 Tuberous sclerosis
 Phenylketonuria
 Congenital rubella
3. Symptoms
 Impaired social interaction
 Verbal communication problems
 Nonverbal communication problems
 Obsessions
 Sensory symptoms
 Early symptoms of possible autism
Johnson CP, Myers SM,
Lecture will be
(2007).
delivered
Myers, SM. & Johnson,
except the
CP. (2005)
reading
assignment
1. Characteristics of children with autism Johnson CP, Myers SM,
(2007).
spectrum disorders

Social characteristics

Educational characteristics

Physical characteristics

Emotional characteristics

Language and communication
2. Assessment
5.1.Diagnostic Tests

Hearing tests

Lead tests

Autism screening tests

The BRIGANCE Screens

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire

Observation tests
Gaped lecture,
student
Myers, SM. & Johnson,
presentation
CP. (2005)
and group
discussion
Johnson CP, Myers SM,
(2007).
Lecture and
Myers, SM. & Johnson,
group
CP. (2005)
discussion will
be employed
2.1.1. CARS
2.1.2. STAT
2.1.3. ADOS-G
5.2.Neurological Evaluation
5.3.Clinical Diagnosis DSM-IV
5.4.Developmental Evaluations
6. Types
Lecture, Group
discussion and
 Autistic-savant
Presentation by
 Brain & Neurological Disorders:
the students
Rare Types:
will be
employed
7.
Johnson CP, Myers SM,
Intervention
 Behavioral therapies
Individualized
Education
Programs (IEPs)
Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA)
Positive
Interventions
Behavioral
and
Support
(PBS)
Parent training
 Medications
Mental Health Specialists
Neurology
(Brain/CNS
Specialists
What children with autism need from
adults
At home,
At school,
In childcare settings
In public places
 Strategies to use with children with
autism
Classroom set-up
Teaching social skills
(2007).
Gaped lecture,
Myers, SM. & Johnson,
group
CP. (2005)
discussion and
case analysis
Teaching academics
Redirecting behaviors
Dealing
with
anger
outbursts
Communicating effectively
with parents
Methods and Activities
Classroom lessons will be mainly lecture and discussion based. Students will be given reading
assignments and will be asked to reflect on their understandings. At the start of every lesson, students
will be requested to give a brief highlight of what they have learned in the previous lesson. They will
be given different stimulus materials (handouts), divided into jigsaw groups, asked to present their
reading part, raise questions during group presentations and conduct peer assessment. At the end of
each unit, they will be requested to write a brief reflection of what they have learned in the unit. In
this way continuous assessment of their understanding will be held.
 Interactive lectures
 Portfolio
 Collaborative learning
 Independent study
 Excursion (field trip)
 Audio-visual presentation (DVD)
 Individual and group assignment and reflections
 Practical exercises
 Experts consultation
 Simulation
 Demonstration
 Role play
Assessment and evaluation
Total component 100%
Quiz ………………………………….…….5%
Assignment………………….……………...25%
Mid exam one………………….….…….…..20%
Final exam…………………………………..50%
Course Policy
A student has to:
- Attend at least 85% of the classes.
- Take all continuous assessments and mid Exam.
- Take final examination.
Respect all rules & regulations of the university
References
Johnson CP, Myers SM, (2007). Identification and evaluation of children with autism spectrum
disorders. American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children With Disabilities.
Pediatrics. 2007 Nov;120 (5):1183-215.
Myers SM, Johnson CP, (2005). Management of children with autism spectrum disorders.
American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Children With Disabilities.
Approval Section
Name
Instructor’s
Module
Coordinators
’s
Department
Head’s
Signature
Date