This course helps professional educators, counselors, educational therapists, and parents understand learning differences. Current theories on neurological processing, attention and memory are presented. Through case studies, discussion, video and lecture, participants learn to identify the signs of autism, Asperger's Syndrome, nonverbal learning disorder, learning disability and attention deficit disorder, as they relate to learning tasks.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Identify characteristics and symptoms of various learning differences with emphasis on Dyslexia, ADHD, Mathematics learning difficulties, and the Autism Spectrum.
• Learn about common Processing Disorders such as Visual and Auditory Perception among others.
• Describe the essential components of Special Education Law as it relates to Accommodations and Modifications in the classroom.
• Identify Evaluation and Assessment tools used for providing Resource services.

Topics Include

• Neuroplasticity
• Introduction to Learning Differences
• Processing Differences, ADHD and Executive Functioning
• Reading, Math, and Dyslexia
• Autism Spectrum and Social Cognition
• Learning Differences and Social Justice

Working knowledge of:

• Communication and collaboration tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, or LibreOffice
• Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas including navigation links, modules, etc.

Additional Information

Please review section notes to view the full schedule.

This is an introductory online course that requires students to be comfortable using a computer, accessing websites, and navigating the Canvas learning system.

Computer with internet connection (Firefox, Internet explorer, or Chrome) is required