Minor in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Description
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities (DSM, 2014). It is estimated that one in 44 children in the US is affected by ASD (CDC, 2022). Individuals with ASD come from all races and ethnic groups. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more.
The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) minor is an interdisciplinary program, between Special Education and Speech Pathology & Audiology. The ASD minor prepares students to understand and address the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders across the spectrum and across the lifespan and in varied contexts, including general and special education classrooms and community settings. It is particularly relevant for students with a major or interest in special education, speech pathology, audiology, occupational or physical therapy, psychology or human development and family studies.
Through participation in the ASD Minor, students gain knowledge and skills related to the following:
- Identifying diagnostic and learning style characteristics
- Causes and medical intervention
- Early signs and assessment protocols
- Social-communicative development and disorders
- Theoretical models and the implications of those models for intervention
- Family characteristics
- Evidence-based intervention practices
Required Coursework
The ASD minor includes the following 5 courses:
- SPED 44309 ASD: Theory and Diagnosis (should be taken first in the sequence)
- SPED 44020 Medical Aspects of ASD
- SPA 44010 Social Communication Development and Disorders of ASD
- SPA 44030 ASD Over the Lifespan
- SPED 43030 Applied Behavior Analysis I
Declaring the ASD Minor
Students will declare their minor in Flashline.
Navigate to "Students" then "Resources" then "Advising and GPS," and finally "Change Undergraduate Program." There you will find a link to "Add Minor."
In addition to the ASD minor, there are many other minors available to undergraduate students at Kent State University.
