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:
- Understanding of the Autism spectrum disorder Aspergers Syndrome.
- How the syndrome effects students on campus.
- How Aspergers effects students in the classroom.
- Training module for R.A.s and other frontline student affairs staff in order to work with students with Aspergers Syndrome.
- Working knowledge of some reasonable accommodations.
- 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.
Instructor Bio:
Lisa King obtained her Master's Degree in Education from the College
of William and Mary and has worked with students with disabilities in
K-12 and postsecondary education environments for 20 years. As a
Disability Specialist in higher education she has worked extensively
with students with Asperger's and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Under
the guidance of national experts, Jane Thierfeld Brown, Ed.D. (UCONN)
and Lorraine Wolf, Ph.D. (Boston U), Ms. King led a two year pilot
program at the University of Minnesota implementing a new model of
service: Strategic Education for Asperger Students (SEAS). She is a
private consultant on transition and accommodation issues and is a
frequent presenter locally and nationally on topics related to best
practices for working with students on the spectrum in higher
education settings.
