| Unit name | Special Education Needs and Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EDUCM5607 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Emeritus Professor. Feiler |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Education |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit will examine the contrasting research perspectives which account for the origins and nature of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), covering areas such as theory of mind, and weak central coherence. The defining features associated with ASDs will be considered focusing on the triad of impairments: communication and social interaction, imagination and play, flexible thinking. Participants will be introduced to screening techniques and instruments, diagnostic criteria and methods of assessment. The needs of pre-school children and their families will be considered, particularly the evidence for early intensive intervention. Participants will be introduced to the issues of planning interventions in the early stages to promote individual learning, intentional communication, social skills, appropriate behaviour, and inclusion in early years settings. Specific topics will include complementary communication techniques such as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), approaches to intensive interaction (the $�Hanen&� programme), Applied Behavioural Analysis, parent education and training (the Early Bird Programme), dietary management and other alternative therapies.
