Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Across the Lifespan

The following ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

General overview of development milestones, theories and concepts as they relate to individuals with ASD:

• Examine development within the context of family and culture
• Examine the development of individuals with ASD as compared to those with typical development
• Explore cognitive development including developmental models, transitions and routines, and activities and strategies that promote cognitive development

Describe language acquisition and communication, including:

• Joint attention, cultural learning and language acquisition
• Social pragmatic approach to language acquisition
• Communicative functions, expressive and receptive skills
• Behaviour as a form of communication
• Activities and strategies that facilitate and promote language/communication skill development
• Verbal behaviour theory as it relates to developing language

Describe pyschosocial development in individuals with ASD including:

• Development of self esteem and self awareness
• Developing a sense of others including social thinking, theory of mind and central coherence
• Social/affective signalling
• The influence/impact of friendship and play
• Affection

Explore biosocial development in individuals with ASD including the impact in areas such as:

• Self care
• Safety
• Adaptation
• Activities that promote the development of motor function

Examine diagnostic and treatment modalities including:

• Co-morbid conditions
• Mental health issues

Examine the current trends and developments in service provision for teens and adults:

• Consider treatment modalities for teens and adults
• Explore ongoing supports including educational opportunities, employment supports and residential options