Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
DACS 1170
Descriptive
Characteristics of Exceptionalities
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
202310
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
2 to 15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Contact Hours
60 hours -
F2F: 2X2; 1X3
Hybrid: 2X2; 1X3
Online: 2X2
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Online
Hybrid
Learning Activities
F2F: Lecture, video, guest speaker, case studies, readings
Hybrid: Lecture, video, guest speaker, case studies, readings, video lectures
Online: video lectures, online readings, case studies, discussion boards, video conferencing, guest speakers
Course Description
In this survey course students will investigate a range of developmental disability characteristics and their classification systems, in particular, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A variety of disabilities and concurrent disorders will be examined as they relate to the etiology, diagnosis, and lifelong impact on people living with the disability.
Course Content
The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:
- Human service practitioners provide support to people with disabilities. Although not the main focus, having some background information regarding the diagnosis contributes to optimal practice.
- Many people with disabilities also have concurrent disorders that can complicate multiple aspects of a person’s life. Again, having some background information regarding these additional factors will enhance the quality of support.
- Human service practitioners who have an appreciation of the potential diagnostic, funding and treatment trajectories across the lifespan of someone who has a disability are in a better position to anticipate and advocate for optimal support.
- Quality, evidence based practice is informed by research into disability characteristics and treatment approaches
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain various disability classifications systems as they related to disability definitions, assessment and diagnosis
- Compare and contrast the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) and other disability classification systems
- Explain common terminology used when discussing disability classifications, e.g. etiology, incidence, prevalence, diagnostic overshadowing, etc.
- Consider the historical international progression of disability classifications
- Describe the current assessment and diagnostic process for ASD, mental illness and a variety of other disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, FASD, etc.
2. Describe characteristics of a variety of disability labels
- Identify the biopsychosocial domains that may be affected in someone who has a disability.
- Investigate the potential developmental trajectory of those living with ASD, mental illness, and a variety of other disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, FASD, etc.
- Identify common concurrent disorders that may accompany a disability, such as Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Mood Disorders, etc.
- Explore current research related to etiology, characteristics and context specific to ASD, mental illness, and a variety of other disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, FASD, etc.
3. Explore treatment and support options for a variety of mental and physical disability labels including ASD, mental illness, and a variety of other disabilities
- Describe the range of interventions available to treat and support those living with ASD, mental illness, and a variety of other disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, FASD, etc.
- Discuss the role and importance of early intervention and naturalized supports
- Investigate the process for voluntary and involuntary treatments under the Mental Health Act
- Explore current research related to treatment modalities and support approaches specific to ASD, mental illness, and a variety of other disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, FASD, etc.
- Investigate the eligibility and process for accessing treatment funding for a variety of disability labels including ASD and mental illness
- Explore support options available to families, caregivers, and those close to individuals living with ASD, mental illness, and a variety of other disabilities
Means of Assessment
This course will conform to Douglas College policy regarding the number and weighting of evaluations. Typical means of evaluation would include a combination of:
Quiz, case study, group project, investigative projects
Textbook Materials
T.B.A.
Equivalencies