330.700.01
Public Health Approaches in Autism and Developmental Disabilities

Location
East Baltimore
Term
3rd Term
Department
Mental Health
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
M, W, 10:30 - 11:50am
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Calliope Holingue
Contact Name
Calliope Holingue
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Prerequisite
Description
The course should be of use to anyone interested in a broad overview of autism epidemiological and etiological research and the methods employed, including public health professionals and those who must translate research findings in the clinical or educational setting. Thus, targeted audiences include students, academic faculty, public health, clinical, educational and programmatic professionals interested in autism.
Examines public health approaches to the assessment, etiology, services, and policy issues related to autism and developmental disabilities. Introduces the state of the science of autism and developmental disabilities epidemiology, and emerging questions for Public Health. Includes presentations and discussions of current information on descriptive epidemiology, genetics, environmental risk factors, and prognosis of ASD. Presents research on long-term outcomes in individuals with ASD. Provides an overview of research progress to date and points to challenges as we work to learn more about this enigmatic neurodevelopmental disability.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the history and diagnostic criteria for autism and developmental disabilities
  2. Discuss measurements and assessments of ASD, and evidence supporting competing theories about rising prevalence
  3. Assess existing evidence for demographic and environmental risk factors for autism and developmental disabilities
  4. Recognize promising avenues for genetic research while being mindful of remaining challenges
  5. Summarize status and challenges of global public health efforts for autism and developmental disabilities
  6. Identify areas of public health research and practice that can inform ASD prevention, identification, treatment, and services
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 30% Participation
  • 30% Presentation(s)
  • 40% Final Exam
Instructor Consent
No consent required
Special Comments

This is the onsite section of a course also held virtually/online. You are responsible for the modality in which you register.