SPSY 7490 01: Adv Study and Prac in ASD < Youngstown State University

SPSY 7490 - Advanced Study and Practicum in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Summer 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 30423,
Credit hours: 3

Course Meeting Times

Instructor

Carrie Jackson

Professional Qualifications:
Ed.D, Educational Leadership, Youngstown State University
D.Ed, School Psychology, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
BCBA, Penn State University
Ed.S., California University of Pennsylvania
M.S., School Psychology
B.S., Psychology, California University of Pennsylvania
Ohio Licensed School Psychologist
Pennsylvania Professional Certification as School Psychologist
Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Assistant Professor

Email: crjackson01@ysu.edu

Office: BCOE 4110

Office Phone: (330) 941-3162

Preferred Contact Method: Email

Communication Expectations:
I respond to all emails by the next business day.

How to Refer to me:
Dr. Jackson (she/her/hers)

Course Description

7490. Advanced Study and Practicum in Autism Spectrum Disorders. This course is designed to provide candidates with skills and experience related to early assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including case conceptualization, the skills needed to create, modify, and/or adapt assessments, the ability to interpret assessments, classroom applications, implementation and evaluation of strategies and supports, and family-school collaboration. Special emphasis will be given to the application of ABA principles to classroom settings (discrete trial, analysis of verbal behavior, and direct instruction). Through didactic teaching and experiential learning via activities completed with students attending the Rich Center for Autism, candidates will gain knowledge of assessment, evidence-based interventions, treatment methods, and related issues affecting students with ASD and their families. Prereq.: EdS track in School Psychology. 3 s.h.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing psychiatric disability category in the United States. Increasing numbers of students with ASD necessitate enhanced skills of school psychologists in order to meet their needs in the educational setting. This course is designed to provide candidates knowledge of the history of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), symptom trajectory and outcomes, diagnosis, special education classification, assessment tools and methods (including the ADOS-2/ADI-R), and introduction to related services (i.e., school psychology, occupational and physical therapy, speech and language therapy, assistive technology, and dysphagia). Candidates will gain both didactic and experiential knowledge related to providing services to student with ASD through assessment, intervention design, and collaboration with families and related service providers in both the school and community environments.

Course Readings

Group	Title	Author	ISBN
Required	Textbook of autism spectrum disorders (2nd ed.)	Hollander, E., Hagerman, R., & Ferretti, C. (Eds.)	978-1-61537-304-8

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.

Additional Course Materials

Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

How to Succeed in This Course

Attendance Expectations

Late Work Submission Policy

Additional Course Expectations

Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

Assignments/Assessments

Grading and Grading Scale

University Policies

Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of	Reading(s)	Proposed Topic	Due/To Prepare for Class
5/11	None	Review Syllabus / Course Resources; ADOS-2 Training Videos	IN CLASS: View training modules 1 – 4 (3.5 hrs) OUTSIDE OF CLASS: Create account at https://autisminternetmodules.org; Select partners/groups for Rich Center Case Study – Reach out to RCA to schedule
5/18	None	ADOS-2 Practice Videos	IN CLASS: Complete training protocols for modules 1 - 4 (3 hrs) OUTSIDE OF CLASS: Schedule practice administration at Rich Center via Sharepoint calendar Score one training module (select the module that best suits your Rich Center Case)
5/25	Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5	Epidemiology; Psychiatric Assessment & Treatment; Psychopharmacology; Pediatric & Neurological Assessments; Gender Dysphoria, Gender Incongruence, & Sexual Identity; and Racial & Ethnic Disparities in Assessment & Evaluation	IN CLASS: Lecture OUTSIDE OF CLASS: Administer ADOS-2 with partner/group to student at the Rich Center One training protocol due
6/1	Chapters 7, 8, 14, 15, & 21	Social Communication; Diet & Nutrition; Environmental Toxicity & Immune Dysregulation; Overview of Syndromic Causes of ASD & Commonalities in Neurobiological Pathways; & Neuroanatomical Findings	IN CLASS: Lecture OUTSIDE OF CLASS: One training protocol due
6/8	Chapters 26, 27, 28, 29, & 35	Serotonergic Medication; Antipsychotics; Treating Hyperactivity in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Complementary & Integrative Approaches; & Behavioral Treatments	IN CLASS: Lecture OUTSIDE OF CLASS: One training protocol due
6/15	Chapters 37, 38, 39, 44, & 45	The Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based Intervention (DIR) Model; School-Based Interventions; Language and Communication; Autism Strengths & Neurodiversity; Role of Patient Advocacy Groups in Treatment Development; and the ADI-R	IN CLASS: Lecture OUTSIDE OF CLASS: One training protocol due; Rich Center case study protocol due
6/22	None	Comprehensive Exam; RCA Case Study	EdS ~ Comprehensive Exams 9 AM – 11 AM; Upload critical task to TaskStream/SLL Provide certificate(s) of completion for all Autism Modules https://autisminternetmodules.org

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.

SPSY 7490 01: Adv Study and Prac in ASD