HOW TO REACH AND TEACH STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (GRADES PREK-5)

Are you finding it increasingly difficult to meet the needs of your diverse learners, especially those with autism spectrum disorder? As more students transition into the least restrictive environment, teachers are finding themselves at a loss concerning how best to reach this unique population in an inclusive setting. This online course is specifically geared toward PreK-5 teachers who want to explore a wide variety of strategies so that they are better positioned to meet the needs of students with autism in the least restrictive environment. Teachers will take a deep dive into autism spectrum disorder, otherwise known as ASD. As they progress through the course, teachers will learn how to adapt their instruction so that it can be differentiated to meet students with ASD at their level. Teachers will learn about the social aspects of ASD and how it can lead to anxiety, especially if there is a comorbid diagnosis. Teachers will learn strategies to help students with ASD remain structured. The basics of behavior are discussed, and teachers will learn about the various functions of behavior and the primary role that reinforcement plays in behavior intervention plans. Social skills deficits are discussed in detail, as this is one of the cornerstone characteristics of students with ASD. Teachers will learn a variety of strategies for helping students with ASD cope academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally in the least restrictive environment. Teachers will learn the importance of collaboration, and they will take a deep dive into the various co-teaching models. By the end of this course, teachers will have gained valuable insight into autism spectrum disorder, and they will feel much more capable of meeting the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of this diverse population.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: 

You can register and begin the course at any time and have until the end of Ashland University’s academic year to complete it. Within 24-48 hours of your registration you will receive an email from your course content provider that contains your course access information. Plan to spend a minimum of two weeks in the course.  Once you complete your course, your grade will be submitted to Ashland University for processing. This course is web-based so you can access it from any computer with internet access. It is also self-paced, so you can work entirely at your own pace, when it is convenient for you. There are no specific times you must be online and no individual deadline dates for assignments. They can be submitted any time, so long as everything has been submitted by the end of the academic term.

Also within 24 hours of registering for a PD course, you'll be able to access your student account using Self-Service Ashland. There, you'll find printable financial statements and grade reports, plus a link for requesting transcripts, once your grades have posted. Instructions for establishing or resetting your login can be found HERE. 

 If you have a tuition waiver voucher or would prefer to mail your payment:

Please click HERE for a registration form. Please mail that along with your payment and/or voucher to the Main Campus address. Vouchers are worth $166 when applied to PD courses.

 Contact Ashland Professional Development to update your email address or with other needs: pds@ashland.edu