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:
Jane Thierfeld Brown
is Director of Student Services at the
University of Connecticut School of Law. She has worked in Disability
Services for 29 years. Dr. Brown received her B.A. from the
University of Rhode Island in Speech Pathology. While coordinator of
disability services at URI she received her M.S. in Counseling and
M.A. in Education. She holds an Ed.D from Columbia University,
Teachers College. At Barnard College she directed a federal grant
program on women with disabilities in higher education. Dr. Brown's
main research interests are students with Asperger's Syndrome in
higher education and students with disabilities in high stakes
graduate programs. She consults at many higher education institutions
and is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences on Asperger's
Syndrome. Her book, "A Professional Guide to Students with Asperger's
Syndrome in Higher Education," is to be published in 2008. Dr. Brown
is on the disability work group for the Law School Admissions
Council. She has three children, the youngest being a 16 year old son
on the spectrum.
