BCSC 271: Autism and Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: BCSC 110 and one of BCSC 172 or BCSC 205

In this seminar, we will investigate the neurological, cultural, and functional implications of autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operating from a biopsychosocial model, discussions will include systematic review of the state-of-the-science as relates to genetics, brain structure, and behavior, as well as related implications for clinicians and researchers. Special emphasis will be placed on imbedding our discussion in the context of a historical record, as well as consideration of next-step initiatives and new horizons, as related to research and service. At the heart of our investigations will be a consideration of the implications of our discoveries for the lived experience of autistic individuals, as well as for persons with other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Investigation of primary scientific sources (e.g., peer-reviewed publications), other scholarly publications, and first-person accounts will, together, compose the primary means of investigation for this course.