Course

Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan

Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Course code
DACS 3430
Credits
3.00
Semester length
Flexible delivery ranging over 2 to 15 weeks
Max class size
35
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Online
Hybrid
Typically offered
Winter

Overview

Course description
This upper-level undergraduate course explores Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from a lifespan perspective applying behavioural, social, and cognitive theories. Topics include diagnostic characteristics and the diagnostic process in British Columbia, the etiology, history, and co-morbid conditions associated with ASD. Special emphasis will be given to evidence-based interventions and support strategies within early intervention, school, and employment settings.
Course content

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

  • The best place for children to thrive, grow, and learn is with a family.
  • ASD is a life-long developmental disorder.
  • Funding options are available for assessment and intervention.
  • Assessments and intervention methods are to be based on contemporary best practices.
  • Best practices are those that are (a) evidence-based, (b) individualized, (c) fit individuals’ and families’ needs, and (d) ethical.
  • The capacity of an individual with ASD is best supported through teaching language and other social skills.
  • Language and other social skills are best analyzed and taught using a functional approach.
  • Autism intervention is not static, but rather, is dynamic—a process readily apparent when examined within an historical context.
Learning activities
  • Lecture
  • Guest lecture
  • Audio-visual presentations
  • Case studies
  • Small and large group work
Means of assessment
  • Weekly reading quizzes
  • Academic research paper
  • Case studies
  • Group presentation
  • Exams
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Describe the etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and funding for ASD within the BC context.

  • Consider the historical treatment of individuals with ASD and their families
  • Summarize the diagnostic indicators of ASD and explain developmental differences in individuals across the lifespan.
  • Explore contemporary assessment tools and funding options available to individuals diagnosed as a child or adult.

Evaluate evidence based methodologies and interventions with individuals on the autism spectrum.

  • Compare pseudo and anti-scientific models with evidence based methodologies.
  • Examine behavior, social, and cognitive theories of autisms and their impact on practice.
  • Examine behavioural outcomes associated with different intervention models.
  • Summarize significant peer-reviewed research on intervention practices.

Analyze a range of lifespan issues regarding social/emotional, communication/language, and behavioural domains.

  • Evaluate behavioral interpretations of complex social behavior impacting relationships in preschool, school, community and employment settings.
  • Review common mental and physical health conditions associated with autism, such as seizures, anxiety, and depression.
  • Examine tensions regarding autism between cure, treatment, acceptance and celebration perspectives.
Textbook materials
  • TBA

Requisites

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for DACS 3430
Simon Fraser University (SFU) No credit
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) No credit
University of Northern BC (UNBC) UNBC PSYC 3XX (3)
University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) UFV HSER 2XX (3)

Course Offerings

Winter 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
35
Currently enrolled
29
Remaining seats:
6
On waitlist
0
Building
Online
Room
ONLINE
Times:
-
Section notes

DACS 3430 090: This asynchronous online course is required for CCS & DABA students. Other students who are interested in this upper-level UT course as an elective are invited to request a program waiver from the DACS department. High-speed internet recommended.

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
23
Remaining seats:
7
On waitlist
0
Building
Online
Room
ONLINE
Times:
-
Section notes

DACS 3430 091: This asynchronous online course is required for CCS & DABA students. Other students who are interested in this upper-level UT course as an elective are invited to request a program waiver from the DACS department. High-speed internet recommended.