WEBSITE	http://www.cs.toronto.edu/~khai/classes/csc2526-fall2009/
LECTURES	Mondays, 11AM - 1PM, BA4010
TEXTBOOK OPTIONAL	Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism      TEMPLE GRANDIN Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Other ASDs      CHANTAL SICILE-KIRA The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time      MARK HADDON
INSTRUCTOR	Khai Truong, khai@cs.toronto.edu Office hour: Wednesdays, 3 - 4 PM, BA 5262 (or by appointment) Prefix all emails with [2526] in subject line & make sure you include your full name on the message, as it is sometimes difficult to decipher student mail addresses.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is believed to affect 1 in 150 people. Despite the impact that this disorder has on our society, autism remains not well understood and there is little being done to produce tools and products for those affected by autism.

In this course, we will become familiar with the relevant theory and practice of autism research. Students will be provided with opportunities to meet important figures in the autism community. Additionally, students will work in teams to develop a prototype that solves an autism-related need, either for an individual with autism or those who are part of an assistance or education network (parents, teachers, therapists, and aides). Although the course has an emphasis on technology, there will be a distinct human-centered approach to understanding the opportunities and implications of technological assistance to meet this community's needs.

Reading & discussion topics covered in this course will include:

1. Autism in the media
2. Diagnosis and treatment of ASD
3. Etiology of autism: urban legend, genetics, neuroscience, environmental factors
4. Challenges faced by people with autism, together with their families and caregivers
5. Current use of technological developments