Johns Hopkins University Offers graduate degrees in Education:

Education of Students with Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Adviser: Gloria M. Lane (Homewood), 410-516-8275

Designed for special educators and professionals from the related service disciplines, this graduate certificate program addresses the wide range of competencies that are necessary for the provision of effective educational programming for students who are diagnosed with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders.

Requirements (15 Credits)

Take the following three courses for a total of nine credits:

Choose one course for a total of three credits:

Choose one course for a total of three credits:

 

  • 877.551 Survey of Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders

    Providing a comprehensive review of current information about autism and other pervasive developmental disorders, this course draws on research findings and clinical experience from a number of related disciplines, including psychiatry, psychology, neurobiology, and pediatrics. In addition to exploring theories of causation, developmental aspects, descriptive and diagnostic characteristics, and legal and social issues, students are introduced to the primary therapeutic and intervention strategies employed with students who have autism. The theoretical basis of, and empirical evidence for, the diverse traditional and nontraditional therapies that have been proposed for persons with autism are also explored. (3 credits)

    Back to top

     

  • 877.553 Classroom Programming for Students with Autism

    Students examine the design and implementation of effective classroom programs, such as those based on the TEACCH model, for students with autism who differ in age and level of functioning. The course topics include classroom structure and organization, group instruction strategies, educational assessment and IEP development, record keeping, curriculum, instructional activities and materials, parent involvement, and staffing and support services. (3 credits)

    Back to top

     

  • 877.555 Teaching Communication and Social Skills

    This course examines the assessment and instructional strategies that have been shown to be effective in promoting the development of cognitive, language, and social skills by students who have severe disabilities, including those diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, or other pervasive developmental disorders. Participants examine the instructional adaptations needed to promote the development of cognitive, communicative, and social skills in students with severe disabilities, and review the relevant empirical literature. (3 credits)

    Back to top

     

  • 877.552 Behavioral Interventions for Students with Autism

    Students explore the growing body of research findings showing that students with autism can derive significant and durable benefits from interventions based on the principles of applied behavioral analysis. Strategies for conducting functional analyses of problem behavior and developing multielement treatment plans are reviewed. (3 credits)

    Back to top

     

  • 871.513 Applied Behavioral Programming

    Students investigate the principles and procedures of the field of applied behavioral analysis. Observational methods, single-subject designs, behavior promotion and reduction, and generalization strategies are reviewed in relation to the needs of students with disabilities. Participants develop individual projects that demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and evaluate behavioral support programs in an ethically responsive manner. (3 credits)

    Back to top

     

  • 892.560 Assistive Technology for Educating Individuals with Low Incidence Disabilities

    (Lab Class) Participants explore a wide range of assistive technology applications for children with disabilities. Students consider needs based on the type of disabling condition, such as physical, cognitive, sensory disabilities, or multiple complex needs, as demonstrated by children with pervasive developmental disorders such as autism. Exploration of technology emphasizes the integration of assistive technology into effective instructional practices that improve learning research on best practices for the implementation of technology-based solutions. (3 credits)

    Back to top

     

  • 877.513 Education of Students with Severe Disabilities: Augmentative Communication Systems

    Students examine the design of augmentative communication systems that include use of graphic symbols for individuals with severe disabilities. Participants design and construct communication aids and develop strategies for integrating augmentative communication into the curriculum. (3 credits)

    Back to top