Understanding Children and Adolescents with Additional Needs - PSYC8540

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2025 to 2026
Canterbury
Summer Term 7 20 (10) David Williams checkmark-circle

Overview

Current estimates suggest that up to 1 in 4 children are neurodiverse or experience some form of additional needs, yet these children are often overlooked in our understanding of development. In this module, you'll uncover the complexities behind common (neuro)developmental diagnoses and emotional/behavioural issues that arise in infancy, childhood, and adolescence. You’ll gain a deep understanding of these developmental diagnoses and explore their potential psychological, neurobiological, and genetic or environmental causes. You’ll also examine key clinical approaches to supporting individuals with these differences and learn how to evaluate research in this area, giving you the tools to critically assess study findings, theories, and methodologies. By the end of the module, you’ll be prepared to engage with this field on a deeper, more informed level.

Details

Contact hours

Lec-Sems 24

Workshop 8

Independent Study  96

Assessment Preparation  80

Total Hours  200

Availability

Compulsory to the following courses:
• MSc Developmental and Educational Psychology

Optional to the following courses:
• MSc Clinical Psychology
• MSc Cognitive Psychology and Neuropsychology

Method of assessment

Main assessment methods
Case Study Analyses (1200 words)
*Exam (2 hours) – 60% *This element is pass compulsory and must be passed to achieve the learning outcomes of the module*

Reassessment methods
Like-for-Like

Indicative reading

The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.

The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.

See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module students will be able to:

Outline and discuss current theories and research in child clinical psychology.

Critically evaluate theories of and research into child clinical psychology, demonstrating these skills in a variety of formats

Describe and evaluate common research methods used to study a variety of populations in development

Appraise the key challenges facing clinicians and practitioners who work in educational and clinical settings with young people

Evaluate key techniques employed by clinicians and practitioners who work in educational and clinical settings with young people

Notes

  1. Credit level 7. Undergraduate or postgraduate masters level module.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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