UPPVMK049 Autism Spectrum Disorders

Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Winter 2025
Extent and Intensity
9/0/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
PaedDr. Irena Johanka Savková, MBA (lecturer)
doc. Mgr. Eva Zezulková, Ph.D. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Kateřina Janků, Ph.D.
Institute of Special Education – Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Contact Person: Mgr. Denisa Janků
Timetable
Fri 3. 10. 8:05–11:20 C204, Fri 7. 11. 12:15–16:20 C306
Prerequisites (in Czech)
FAKULTA(FVP) && TYP_STUDIA(B) && FORMA(K) && ROCNIK(2)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the subject is to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the issues of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Students will acquire basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for working with individuals with ASD. The coursework includes familiarization with the characteristics and symptomatology of ASD, their classification, communication options, approaches to therapy, education, and the system of social services intended for both children and adults with this diagnosis.
Learning outcomes
Expert knowledge: - The student knows the classification and characteristics of individual autism spectrum disorders and understands their symptomatology and etiology. - They are familiar with the legislative framework for the education of students with autism spectrum disorders. - They have an overview of the system of counseling and support services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders. - They understand basic therapeutic approaches and intervention methods for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. - They know the structure and possibilities of the educational and social system in the Czech Republic in relation to individuals with autism spectrum disorders. - They are capable of working with professional texts in the field of special education, psychology, and related disciplines and utilizing them in practice. - They are familiar with the range of therapeutic approaches and support tools for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, including recognizing evidence-based methods. Professional skills: - The student is capable of identifying the special educational needs of students with ASD and applying them in the development of an individual educational plan. - They can plan, implement, and reflect on support measures in teaching students with ASD, considering their individual abilities and needs. - They apply theoretical knowledge when using special methods and forms of work (e.g., structured learning, visualization, TEACCH, AAC, etc.). - They utilize appropriate teaching aids, which they are able to independently design, create, and implement into their teaching. - They apply knowledge in the area of communication with individuals with ASD, including the use of alternative and augmentative communication. - They can provide basic counseling to legal guardians and the educational team at the school. General competencies: - The student is able to independently apply acquired theoretical knowledge in pedagogical practice and reflect on its effectiveness. - He/she is capable of effectively collaborating with a multidisciplinary team (educator, assistant, psychologist, special educator, therapist, social worker). - He/she is oriented in ethical issues related to working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). - He/she supports inclusion and social integration of individuals with ASD within education and the wider society. - He/she is prepared to further develop professionally and monitor current trends in the field of education and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Syllabus
1. Terminology and Development of Approaches to ASD 2. Clinical Picture and Characteristic Symptoms of ASD 3. Classification and Description of Individual Autism Spectrum Disorders 4. Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of ASD 5. Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions for Individuals with ASD 6. Education of Children and Students with ASD 7. Special Educational Methods for Working with Students with ASD 8. Supportive Measures and Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) 9. Compensatory and Educational Aids 10.Communication Strategies and Support for Communication in Individuals with ASD 11.Social and Counseling Services for Individuals with ASD and Their Families 12.International Approaches to the Care of Individuals with ASD
Literature
    required literature
  • STRAUSSOVÁ, Romana. Autismus a raný vývoj: od projevů k terapii. Praha: Grada, 2025. ISBN 978-80-271-5128-8.
  • ŽAMPACHOVÁ, Z., ČADILOVÁ, V. a kol. Katalog podpůrných opatření pro žáky s potřebou podpory ve vzdělávání z důvodu poruchy autistického spektra nebo vybraných psychických onemocnění. Praha: Wolters Kluwer, 2023. ISBN 978-80-7676-621-1.
  • BAZALOVÁ, Barbora. Psychopedie. Praha: Grada, 2023. ISBN 978-80-271-3725-1.
  • OSTATNÍKOVÁ, D. a kol. Autizmus od A po S. IKAR, 2022. ISBN 978-80-55181-29-5.
  • VALENTA, Milan; MÜLLER, Oldřich; VÍTKOVÁ, Marie; MICHALÍK, Jan;. Psychopedie. Praha. Parta, 2021. ISBN 978-80-7320-290-3.
  • PIPEKOVÁ, Jarmila a Jan VIKTORIN. Psychopedie: Distanční studijní text. 1. vyd. Opava: Fakulta veřejných politik v Opavě, 2022, 97 s.
  • CALDWELL, P., HORWOOD, J. Intenzivní interakce a senzorická integrace: u osob s PAS. Praha: Portál, 2022. ISBN 978-80-262-1890-6.
    recommended literature
  • AUTISM RESEARCH INSTITUTE. (2023). Autism Research Review International, 37 (2). (dostupné na: https://autism.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ARRI_2023_Volume37_No2.pdf)
  • HRDLIČKA, M. Mýty a fakta o autismu. Praha: Portál, 2020. ISBN 978-80-262-1648-3
  • SAVKOVÁ, Irena Johanka. Autismus u žen a dívek. 2025.
  • KEARNEY, A. J. Jak porozumět aplikované behaviorální analýze: Úvod do ABA pro rodiče, učitele a další profesionály. 1. vydání. Praha: Pasparta, 2020. ISBN 978-80-88290-48-3.
  • THOROVÁ, K. Poruchy autistického spektra. Praha: Portál, 2016. ISBN 978-80-262-0768-9.
  • PRICE, Devon. Autismus bez masky: odhalte tváře neurodiverzity a žijte autenticky. Žádná velká věda. V Brně: Jan Melvil Publishing, 2024. ISBN 978-80-7555-208-2.
  • RADKIN, Honzák. Emoce: od A do P. Galén, 2020. ISBN 978-80-7492-517-7.
  • KARUNOVÁ, H., CIESLAR, J., FLEKAČOVÁ, L., BEDNÁROVÁ, L., PAZOURKOVÁ, L. et al. Komunikační mosty: v podpoře rozvoje osob s poruchami autistického spektra a jiných skupin jedinců s postižením. Olomouc: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci, 2021. ISBN 978-80-24
  • ARENS-WIEBEL, C. Autismus. 2. vyd. Stuttgart: Kohlhammer Verlag, 2023. ISBN 978-3-17-044072-2.
    not specified
  • BALDINI, L. Aspergerův žák. Praha: Ikar, 2025. ISBN: 978-80-249-5718-0
  • GRANDIN, T. Jak to vidím já: osobní pohled na autismus a Aspergerův syndrom. Praha: Csémy Miklós ve spolupráci s Janou Csémy, 2015. ISBN 978-80-906078-0-4.
  • PREIßMANN, Ch. Život s Aspergerovým syndromem: příběh psychoterapie. Praha: Portál, 2010. ISBN 978-80-7367-688-9.
  • RICHMAN, S. Výchova dětí s autismem: aplikovaná behaviorální analýza. Praha: Portál, 2015. ISBN 978-80-262-0984-3.
  • GRANDIN, T. Zvířata v překladu: autistická mysl jako klíč k pochopení chování zvířat. Selce: Csy, 2015. ISBN 978-80-971852-1-3.
  • RADEMACHER, T. It Won't Be Easy. University Of Minnesota Press, 2017. ISBN 978-1517901127.
  • KURTZ, L. A. Hry pro rozvoj psychomotoriky: pro děti s ADHD, autismem, smyslovým postižením a dalšími handicapy. Praha: Portál, 2015. ISBN 978-80-262-0800-6.
Teaching methods
Constructivist-oriented teaching methods:- working with case studies,- guided group discussion and reflection,- problem-based learning (solving practical situations from practice),- working with authentic materials (recordings, video clips, descriptions of practice),- practicing model situations and interventions,- independent work with professional literature and its application,- support for self-reflection and professional awareness.
Assessment methods

Teamwork – active cooperation of students on assigned tasks within the group with an emphasis on sharing knowledge and practical application of theoretical knowledge.


Homework – independent processing of thematically focused tasks supporting the consolidation and expansion of the material discussed.


Fulfillment of partial team tasks – continuous development of specific parts of a larger project or task, which subsequently serve as a final presentation.


Processing and presentation of a specific activation activity – creation and defense of a PowerPoint presentation focused on a specific activation or therapeutic method, including its theoretical and practical analysis.


Uploading outputs to the electronic Submission Room – submission of completed works and presentations via the university feedback and evaluation system.


Note for ERASMUS students and on foreign mobility:


Assessment takes place in the form of completing partial tasks, see the interactive syllabus, and sending the PowerPoint presentation to the electronic Submission Room.

Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
Teacher's information
In course of continuous study, students use the study material, processing it to fulfil selected correspondence assignments which will be discussed in conclusion of the course. At the exam, students demonstrate knowledge of compulsory literature and lectures of the in-person instruction. Students will be able to continuously consult the topics studied individually or in teams, via e-mail, or in consultations upon request.
The course is also listed under the following terms Winter 2019, Winter 2021, Winter 2022, Winter 2023, Winter 2024.
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