psy3asd autism spectrum disorders
UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
PSY3ASD
Not currently offered
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject will explore the cluster of conditions known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), taking a developmental psychopathology approach. Our knowledge of what underpins ASD, from the first proposed accounts through to contemporary theories will be explored. We will consider the presentation of ASD and needs of affected individuals and their families, right across the lifespan; from neonatal life and very early infancy, right through childhood and adolescence, into adulthood. Students will develop their knowledge of the condition, including early signs and symptoms, diagnostic tools and processes and a range of interventions for different aspects of the condition and at different life stages. Students will explore local service provision for individuals with ASD within Victoria and across Australia, alongside approaches and policies abroad. They will develop important skills for critically evaluating the wealth of information on ASD that exists in the public domain.
SchoolSchool of Psychology & Public Health
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorKarli Treyvaud
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Either (PSY1EFP and PSY1CFP) or (PHE1IDH and PHE1SDH) or by approval from the subject coordinator.
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects PSY3CDB
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Outline and describe current conceptualisations of what underpins ASD, and relate to the historical progress which has led toward our current understanding.
- Activities:
- Formative: Tutorial exercises including case studies of different individuals across the spectrum of ASD, highlighting similarities and differences across individuals and across current and historical views. Summative: Questions on Final Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
02. Describe key features and secondary characteristics of ASD and the heterogeneity of presentation, compare and contrast ASD with typical human development, and undertake differential diagnosis with other conditions.
- Activities:
- Formative: Tutorial exercises including various case studies, focusing on the heterogeneity of signs and symptoms, and drawing links to typical development and other disorders; Written feedback on assignments (Case Study & Evaluative Essay) Summative: Graded assignments (Case Study & Evaluative Essay); Questions on Final Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
03. Describe, evaluate and interpret the results of various assessment tools relevant to ASD identification and diagnosis, with the use of examples and case studies.
- Activities:
- Formative: Tutorial exercises focusing on understanding and interpreting results of key diagnostic tools; Written feedback on Case Study assignment Summative: Graded Case Study assignment; Questions on Final Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
04. Describe and evaluate various intervention methods and programs for individuals with ASD through the use of case studies.
- Activities:
- Formative: Tutorial exercises focusing on the application of common intervention methods; Written feedback on Evaluative Essay assignment Summative: Graded Evaluative Essay assignment; Questions on Final Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Writing(Writing)
05. Compare and contrast the impact of ASD from perspectives of the affected person, his/her parents and extended family, and the wider community and be able to critique the lay conceptualisation of the disorder and current public policy.
- Activities:
- Formative: Tutorial exercises including case studies presenting personal perspectives of ASD and focusing on local and international policy. Written feedback on Case Study assignment Summative: Graded Case Study assignment; Questions on Final Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Writing(Writing)
06. Critically evaluate the wide range of information on ASD available in the public domain and the range of available services and relevant policies for working with affected individuals.
- Activities:
- Formative: Tutorial exercises exploring public domain/media perspectives on ASD, local service provision, and intervention techniques; Written feedback on Evaluative Essay Summative: Graded Evaluative Essay assignment; Questions on Final Exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Ethical Awareness(Ethical Awareness)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
Subject options
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