Autism

This module reflects on how challenging behaviour is conceptualised, experienced and responded to in relation to Autism and to consider the role of communication within this process. 

Module Content:   

• Identify and evaluate different conceptualisations of challenging behaviour and the ways these may impact upon the experiences of autistic people, their families and carers.  

• Consider current policy and other 'drivers' to analyse how these might create the cultures and environments in which behaviours and communications are created and played out 

• Critique of theory, research and practice to explore the relationship between challenging behaviour and communication, evaluating to what extent these might be interdependent.  

• Develop a personal engagement framework relating to the ethics of autism research and practice 

• Apply learning to current practice within nationally and internationally. 

• Students will be able to engage with learning in one or more of the following ways - in person lectures and seminars, remote learning, supervision and independent study.  

This module explores strategy, policy, legislation and practice in relation to the impact on autistic people within a personal and/or professional context.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Examine autism drivers such as theory, research, strategy, policy or legislation that direct autism practice
• Critically analyse the impact of autism drivers and practices for autistic people
• Critically analyse your own practice and/or experience
• Identify the impact of your own learning for future organisational or personal development activities
• Place your personal and/or professional learning within a local, national or international context
• Engage with learning in one or more of the following ways - in-person lectures and seminars, remote learning, supervision and independent study

This module reflects on dominant and emergent theories of autism and their impact on autistic people and their families. You will reflect on theories, concepts of autism and disability from a social justice, inclusion and equality perspective within a professional and/or personal context.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Critique dominant and emerging cognitive theories of autism and evaluate the impact of these theories on autistic people, their families and carers
• Analyse the application of theory within your personal and/or professional context
• Situate your knowledge within autism culture and history, inclusion and disability debates including intersectional and international positions.
• Examine and critique autism concepts and terminology and the underlying values and beliefs
• Engage with a range of information sources to examine a variety of theoretical perspectives.
• Engage with learning in one or more of the following ways - in person lectures and seminars, remote learning, supervision and independent study.

This module prepares you to pursue an individual negotiated study of professional or personal significance by developing their knowledge and understanding of social research practices.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Identifying key literature sources.
• Critiquing papers and analysing discourses
• Evaluating research in relation to the implicit values and assumptions.
• Taking account of the contested nature of knowledge, research paradigms and philosophies.
• Valuing personal/professional experiences.
• Research methods
• Ethical considerations: identifying dilemmas in relation to ethical issues
• Evaluating empirical research studies in relation to own study intentions
• Students will be able to engage with learning in one or more of the following ways - in person lectures and seminars, remote learning, supervision and independent study.

This module supports students to undertake an original piece of research related to their own professional or personal interests. The module aims to deepen participants' understanding of research concepts, tools and applications.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Positionality in social research
• Developing meaningful research questions
• Data Collection and analysis
• Writing a critical literature review
• Completing the ethical review process
• Relating findings to literature and other evidence
• Disseminating findings and implementing recommendations.
• Students will be able to engage with learning in one or more of the following ways - in person lectures and seminars, remote learning, supervision and independent study.