Purpose
The purpose of this module is to introduce the topic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as it relates to the birth to five population. The learning resources provided are designed to be used in both pre-service and in-service to facilitate integration of the wealth of ASD information. This module focuses on the potential causes, prevalence, early signs, diagnosis, and eligibility, treatment/therapies, and evidence-based practices offered to young children with ASD and their families.
Objectives
After engaging with these resources, IHE faculty and PD providers will be able to:
• Identify learner outcomes specific to autism spectrum disorder in the birth to five population.
• Identify high-quality resources to integrate into higher education curriculum and/or professional development content.
• Use a variety of adult learning strategies to engage students/trainees in learning from these resources.
Sample Syllabus
PD Guide
Power Point
Evidence-Based Practices for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
This presentation introduces educators and clinicians to the 28 research-validated interventions identified by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder. The presentation promotes hands-on facilitator activities and encourages practitioners to select, teach, and monitor interventions suited to young children with ASD.
Case Study
Case Study: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Ayana is a 24-month-old girl showing early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Follow Ayana and her family as they take part in screening, assessment, IFSP Planning, and Intervention.
Learning Activities
Multimedia Illustrations
The video library is a compilation of almost 500 videos that may be used in early childhood intervention pre-service courses or in-service training. Each video contains the following relevant information:
- Title with a description
- Link to video
- Suggested citation
- Length of the video
- EI/ECSE standard
- DEC Recommended Practice
Resources
Resources to supplement the Syllabus:
- Association for Science in Autism Treatment
- Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules (AFIRM)
- Autism Research Institute
- Autism Speaks
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (CDC)
- Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning: Resources: Practical Strategies for Teachers/Caregivers
- Healthy Children: Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
- Illinois Early Intervention: Autism
- Illinois Early Learning Project: Podcasts: Supporting ASD
- KidsHealth: Autism Spectrum Disorder
- National Institute of Mental Health: Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Sesame Street in Communities: Autism
- Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI)
- The Autism Project
- The Autism Navigator
- The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder
Below are examples of journals that publish topics about EI/ECSE. Faculty may want to explain how to use articles to support practice and to examine current research. Clarify the difference between practitioner-based journals and research-based journals.
- Exceptional Parent Magazine
• Infants and Young Children
• International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education
• Intervention in School and Clinic
• Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention
• Journal of Early Intervention
• Journal of Special Education Technology
• Rural Special Education Quarterly
• Teaching Exceptional Children
• Topics in Early Childhood Special Education
• Young Children
• Young Exceptional Children