Upon completion of the course, students are expected to:

• Understand the nuances of language development in Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders across individual levels of language analysis, including phonology, semantics, morphosyntax, and pragmatics.
• Gain expertise in alternative communication methods used in autism and be able to create personalized social stories.
• Investigate and critically evaluate relevant scientific literature.
• Present scientific papers effectively and professionally.

• Practical application of knowledge
•  Efficient search, analysis, and synthesis of data and information, utilizing essential technologies
• Adaptability to new situations
• Effective decision-making
• Independent working capabilities
• Engaging in constructive criticism and self-reflection
• Fostering free, creative, and deductive thinking

The course offers a comprehensive introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on the functionality of autism as classified by taxonomic systems of mental illnesses. It addresses the language and cognitive deficits observed in individuals with autism and explores the interrelationship between these deficits. Furthermore, the course covers alternative communication systems in autism and provides practical training in the creation of social stories.

The course covers the following topics:

• Introduction – Autism Spectrum Disorders: Characteristics of individuals with autism and early indicators
• Diagnostic criteria (DSM-5) and assessment
• Social interaction and social communication
• Sensory difficulties – Sensory Integration
• Behavioral difficulties
• Theory of Mind & Central Coherence Theory
• Interdisciplinary assessment
• MAKATON language program
• PECS – Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• TEACCH approach
• Social Stories
• Intensive Interaction
• Inclusion: Parallel support and Inclusion Support Units (Integration Classes)

Written Examination: Conducted at the end of the semester.
Weighting: 80%.
Written Assignment: Completion of a written assignment.
Weighting: 20%.
Assessment Language: Greek

• Attwood,T. (2005). Παιδιά με ιδιαιτερότητες στη γλωσσική ανάπτυξη και την κοινωνική αλληλεπίδραση μετ Κορογιαννάκη Μιχαλέτου. Αθήνα: εκδ. Σαββάλα.
• Βογινδρούκας, Ι. & Sherratt D. (2020). Υποστηρίζοντας την εξέλιξη παιδιών με αυτισμό. Οδηγός εκπαίδευσης παιδιών με διάχυτες αναπτυξιακές διαταραχές. ΑΦΟΙ Κυριακίδη Εκδόσεις Α.Ε.
•  Faherty, C. (2000) Τι σημαίνει για μένα. Αθήνα: Ελληνική Εταιρία Προστασίας Αυτιστικών 
• Frith, U. (1994). Αυτισμός. Αθήνα: Ελληνικά Γράμματα. 
• Gray, C. & White, L. A. (2003). Κοινωνική Προσαρμογή. Πρακτικός Οδηγός για αυτιστικά Παιδιά και Παιδιά με σύνδρομο Asperger. Αθήνα: Σαββάλας. 
• Σινανίδου, Μ. (2013). Διάχυτες Αναπτυξιακές Διαταραχές. Αυτισμός. Εκδόσεις Ίων. 
• Συριοπούλου, Χ., Κασίμος, Δ. (2013). Επικοινωνία και Εκπαίδευση Ατόμων με ΔΑΔ/αυτισμό. Θεσσαλονίκη: Παν/μίου Μακεδονίας.

https://eclass.uop.gr/courses/SLT180/