PE4S301 - Neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PE4S301
Module Title: Neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Allied Health and Chiropractic
Faculty Sub Group: Clinical Services
Module Leader: Georgina Brown
Module Team:
First Intended Intake: SEP 2024 Final Year of Intake: 2029
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100260 - healthcare science
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

Module Aims

Providing a comprehensive introduction to neurodiverse conditions, this first module aims to develop a systematic understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder, its impact on health, and the strategies for diagnosing and managing this condition in primary care settings. 

Content Summary

Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:  

Week 1 - Autism diagnosis and classification 

Week 2 - Child assessment 

Week 3 - Adult assessment 

Week 4 - Autism management 

Week 5 - Autism and co-occurring conditions (Mood, addiction, OCD, Anxiety, ODD) 

Week 6 - The MDT approach in autism and how co-occurring conditions influence management 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminars 40
Independent Study 80
Directed Study (including online independent learning) 40
Problem/Challenge based learning 40
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically analyse the diagnostic criteria and classification systems used in the assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
LO2 Critically evaluate the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach in managing individuals with ASD, integrating advanced knowledge of co-occurring conditions.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Case study 1 A concentrated inquiry into a single case or subject Learna Case-based scenarios and a discussion forum related to neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 0 2500 40 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Project 1 A detailed analysis of a topic, involving some original research undertaken by the candidate who makes use of data and/or primary sources Learna Completion of an individual/group task related to neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 0 1000 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Self Reflective Assessment 1 A personal record of a student’s learning experiences. It requires students to record and reflect upon their observations and responses to situations, which can then be used later to explore and analyse ways of thinking and being in context. Generally involves critical diaries, learning logs and written / visual journals Learna Reflective journal 0 600 10 No 40
Synchronous Online Assessment Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 Assessment to be completed in a specific timescale, which is neither an invigilated examination nor a piece of coursework. To be completed over an extended period (e.g. a 2-hour task to be completed within 48 hours, or a 24-hour assessment) Learna: End of module 1-hour Case-based Multiple-choice Examination related to neurodiversity and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to be completed within a 10-day period. 60 N/A 30 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Case study 1 ✔ ✔
Project 1 ✔ ✔
Self Reflective Assessment 1 ✔ ✔
Time-constrained assessment (Online) 1 ✔ ✔

Reading List

Each module reading list is indicative and will consist of up-to-date peer-reviewed journal articles and studies that are continually refreshed as guidelines change and new treatments and technologies emerge. 

Additional reading resources are also supplemented by the tutors during the running of the module in the discussion forum to keep the reading resources current and relevant. 

The module reading list is available to the students to access via electronic links on the learning platform (Moodle). 

Fernandez, H.H., Walter, B.L., Rush, T. and Ahmed, A. eds., 2021. A practical approach to movement disorders: diagnosis and management. 3rd edn. Springer Publishing Company. 

Freeman, R., 2015. Tics and Tourette syndrome: Key clinical perspectives. London: Mac Keith Press. 

Hartman, D., O'Donnell-Killen, T., Doyle, J.K., Kavanagh, M., Day, A. and Azevedo, J., 2023. The adult autism assessment handbook: A neurodiversity affirmative approach. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, young people and adults. Clinical guideline [NG87]. Retrieved from https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87  

NHS England. (2023). Clinical guide for front line staff to support the management of patients with a learning disability and autistic people - relevant to all clinical specialties. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/clinical-guide-for-front-line-staff-to-support-the-management-of-patients-with-a-learning-disability-and-autistic-people-relevant-to-all-clinical-specialties/  

SASC. (2020). SASC Guidance on the assessment and identification of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) / Dyspraxia March 2020. SpLD Assessment Standards Committee. Available at: https://sasc.org.uk/media/m2snu21n/dcd-dyspraxia-sasc-guidance-march-2020.pdf  

Oxford Textbook of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder  

Tobias Banaschewski (ed.), David Coghill (ed.), Alessandro Zuddas (ed.)