The aim of this module is to teach advanced facts about the nature and origins of autism, including definitions, epidemiology, biological, social and environmental causes and autism specific interventions. This module will build on the knowledge of characteristics and needs of people with autism (including co-morbidities), set within the wider context of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whist TZRD8660 (Social Psychology of Autism by Distance Learning) introduced students to intervention and approaches to supporting people with autism, this module will expand this knowledge to include the critical understanding of the research evidence around intervention in autism. Theories used to explain autism will be discussed in depth, with students supported to critically interrogate the evidence base. The knowledge and understanding developed will be used to compare and contrast approaches to intervention and draw intelligent conclusions about policy and practice. Issues from across the lifespan will be addressed, including early intervention.
Total contact hours: 40
Private study hours: 240
Total study hours: 300
Autism Studies MA
Autism Studies PG diploma
Main assessment methods
Assignment/essay 5,000 words – 50%
Examination (1 hour) – 13%
Online forum/seminar participation - 37%
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
Attwood, T. (2007) The complete guide to Asperger's syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley publishers
Fein, D.A. (2011). The neuropsychology of autism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Frith, U. (2003) Autism: Explaining the Enigma (second edition) Oxford: Basil Blackwell.
Frith, U. (2008). Autism: A very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Grandin, T (2006) Thinking in pictures: My life with autism (second edition), London: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Hobson, P.R. (2012) Autism and the Development of the Mind (second edition) Hillsdale, NJ : Lawrence Erlbaum.
Kutscher, M.L. (2005) Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Asperger's, Tourette's, Bipolar, and More! : The one stop guide for parents, teachers, and other professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Schopler, E. (2001). Treatment for Autism: From science to pseudo-science or anti-science. The Research Basis for Autism Intervention. E. Schopler, N. Yirmiya, C. Shulman and L. M. Marcus. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.
Tantam, D. (2012). Autism spectrum disorders through the lifespan. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of current theories of autism (including being familiar with the research evidence) and an in-depth
understanding of which skills and difficulties seen in autism are accounted for by current theories
8.2 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the evidence-base around the assessment and diagnosis of autism in UK services
8.3 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the research basis for intervention in autism, and have an appreciation of the strength of evidence
for autism-specific interventions
8.4 Assess the impact of comorbid conditions and vulnerabilities such as mental health
8.5 Demonstrate a critical understanding of issues across the lifespan for people with autism and their families, including education and
transition to adult life and the impact of policy
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Use the research literature as the main source of information on each of the topics studied
9.2 Use IT resources to follow up what they hear in lectures and what they read in the web-based material
9.3 Summarise their reading coherently in order to contribute to web-based discussions
9.4 Work with others in online forums to prepare and discuss topics
9.5 Organise and manage their studying independently with support from tutors
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