Summer 2003, Course 4
Dates: July 14 - August 1
Instructor: Jane Thierfeld-Brown


Course Overview:
Aspergers Syndrome is an Autism Spectrum Disorder with growing numbers of students on college campuses. This population presents unique challenges to student affairs professionals. This online workshop will explore Aspergers Syndrome in-depth. Specifically, we will:

• define Aspergers Syndrome
• look at the increase in incidence
• examine how students are affected on campus and in class
• discuss accommodations issues

Through an online discussion board and case studies we will provide resources and models for services providers to train other campus staff (i.e. residence life and counseling staff).

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understanding of the Autism spectrum disorder Aspergers Syndrome.
2. How the syndrome effects students on campus.
3. How Aspergers effects students in the classroom.
4. Training module for R.A.s and other frontline student affairs staff in order to work with students with Aspergers Syndrome.
5. Working knowledge of some reasonable accommodations.
6. Some examples of documentation for Aspergers Syndrome.

Participant Expectations:
Participants should expect to devote about five hours during each of the three weeks of the course in order to make a solid contribution to the class. Assignments will include selected readings and discussions. This is a discussion based course that is dependent upon each student being prepared to be open and honest with regard to their views of the material. Active participation in the discussion board will significantly enhance the learning experience and help bring the course material to life.

Individuals registering for CEUs will receive 1.0 CEU upon successful completion of the course.

Instructor Bio:
Jane Thierfeld-Brown has been in the disability services field for over 25 years. She received her Ed.D. from Teachers College at Columbia University. Currently, she is the Director of Student Services at the University of Connecticut School of Law. Ms. Thierfeld-Brown has spoken nationally on Aspergers Syndrome and is a recognized expert on the subject.