What is Service-Learning Course

Service learning is a pedagogical strategy that allows future professionals to engage with autistic people in meaningful contexts during their initial preparation. In this chapter, the authors present a model service-learning course focused on autism. Undergraduate students, many planning to pursue education, psychology, and allied health careers, learn about autism through multiple lenses while simultaneously interacting with autistic children and youth in community settings. The course effectively transforms students' prior assumptions about autism, supports their preparation for future interdisciplinary careers, and introduces numerous benefits to service partners in the community. Service learning, as exemplified by this model course, is a valuable pedagogical tool for equipping young adults with the knowledge and dispositions to engage with autistic people in both personal and professional contexts.