Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Catalog description

This one credit elective will introduce students to Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These disorders are highly heritable, manifested since infancy, and continue throughout the life cycle. The main clinical signs are abnormalities of social relatedness and communications, and stereotypic behaviors. Additional symptoms including language abnormalities, cognitive deficits, neurological, and behavioral abnormalities are common. Students will learn how the brain develops social skills and communication; the role of genetic mutations as a cause of ASD; the core and associated symptoms of ASD; pharmacological treatments including emerging translational therapies; and the roles of the social worker in the treatment of ASD individuals and their families.