Specialized Instructional Strategies

This course introduces the student to common evidence-based behavioural approaches applied in teaching individuals with autism new skills with an emphasis on strategies for teaching language, academic skills, activities of daily living, play skills, and social skills. Topics will be approached by providing the student with an understanding of the terms used, a description of the teaching techniques characterized in each of the modules (where applicable) and a basic understanding of the conceptual elements motivating the approaches. Topics will include traditional discrete trial training protocols, protocols developed based on Skinner's analysis of Verbal Behaviour, Precision Teaching, Direct Instruction, Pivotal Response Training, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, and Incidental and Natural Environment Teaching.