2008 Woodie Awards
Professor to speak
By: Ellen Rogers
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
This week students and faculty members will learn about a disorder that affects nearly one in 150 college students.
The Autism spectrum disorder, Asperger Syndrome, will be discussed at 1 p.m. Friday in Charles V. Park Library Auditorium.
Luke Y. Tsai, professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at University of Michigan, will present the lecture "Win-Win Approach of Autism Spectrum Disorder- Educators Lead the Way".
Dr. Tsai is an internationally known speaker, lecturer and research scientist who presents evidence-based research.
He will talk about some of the characteristics of students with AS and effective ways in which CMU faculty members can create a more accommodating environment for these students.
"These individuals are usually very intelligent, bright students who tend to focus on one area of interest or study," said Todd Zakrajsek, director of CMU's Center for Innovative Teaching. "They appear to be just bright, quirky people."
They often have high vocabulary skills and levels of enthusiasm, punctuality, and determination, making them good assets to the classrooms, officials said. They have trouble catching social cues, which leads to poor social skills.
Zakrajsek said these individuals have trouble coping with change, and one suggestion for professors is to give as much notice as possible of exam or schedule changes.
"These things help facilitate learning for them, and makes the classroom environment better for everyone," he said.
Other suggestions include offering clear, unambiguous explanations for assignments and allowing students to sit where they can best process information.
Patricia Kopetz, counseling and special education faculty member, said the number of individuals with AS has made it a national health crisis.
"Most people know friends or family members who are affected by (AS)," Kopetz said. "It demands societal awareness. Those who come will not be disappointed."
news@cm-life.ctom
The Autism spectrum disorder, Asperger Syndrome, will be discussed at 1 p.m. Friday in Charles V. Park Library Auditorium.
Luke Y. Tsai, professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at University of Michigan, will present the lecture "Win-Win Approach of Autism Spectrum Disorder- Educators Lead the Way".
Dr. Tsai is an internationally known speaker, lecturer and research scientist who presents evidence-based research.
He will talk about some of the characteristics of students with AS and effective ways in which CMU faculty members can create a more accommodating environment for these students.
"These individuals are usually very intelligent, bright students who tend to focus on one area of interest or study," said Todd Zakrajsek, director of CMU's Center for Innovative Teaching. "They appear to be just bright, quirky people."
They often have high vocabulary skills and levels of enthusiasm, punctuality, and determination, making them good assets to the classrooms, officials said. They have trouble catching social cues, which leads to poor social skills.
Zakrajsek said these individuals have trouble coping with change, and one suggestion for professors is to give as much notice as possible of exam or schedule changes.
"These things help facilitate learning for them, and makes the classroom environment better for everyone," he said.
Other suggestions include offering clear, unambiguous explanations for assignments and allowing students to sit where they can best process information.
Patricia Kopetz, counseling and special education faculty member, said the number of individuals with AS has made it a national health crisis.
"Most people know friends or family members who are affected by (AS)," Kopetz said. "It demands societal awareness. Those who come will not be disappointed."
news@cm-life.ctom
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