This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
What is an autism spectrum disorder? What subtypes are there and how is it diagnosed?
How many people have autism?
What does the condition mean for people with ASD and their families – how does it affect their lives?
Causes of autism – an introduction to the theories
Models of disability applied to the autism spectrum, person-centred approaches.
Issues for services (co-morbidity, structure, sensory and environmental issues, empowerment and advocacy).
Students will be expected to spend approximately 150 hours on this module. Approximately 90 hours would be spent on following the web-based content and both guided and independent reading. About 10 hours would be spent in web-based discussion with teaching staff and other students. 50 hours would be spent on the assignment and preparing for the exams.
Available 2016/17
This module will be assessed by one 3000 word written assignment (30%) and a one hour web-based exam (70%).
Many of the materials will be specifically written for the course and provided electronically but in addition students will be expected to use the following core texts:
Attwood, T. (2007) the complete guide to Asperger's syndrome Jessica Kingsley publishers
Frith, U. (2003) Autism: Explaining the Enigma (second edition) Basil Blackwell.
Grandin, T (2006) Thinking in pictures: My life with autism (second edition) Vintage Books
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. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
What is an autism spectrum condition? (PLO A.1 knowledge and understanding of causes, characteristics and epidemiology of autism spectrum conditions - BSc in Autism Studies; PLO A.1 knowledge and understanding of definition and epidemiology of ASC, - Certificate in Autism Studies and Foundation Degree in Autism Studies)
How many people have autism? (PLO A.1 knowledge and understanding of causes, characteristics and epidemiology of autism spectrum conditions - BSc in Autism Studies; PLO A.1 knowledge and understanding of Definition and epidemiology of ASC - Certificate in Autism Studies and Foundation Degree in Autism Studies)
What does it mean for people with ASC and their families? (PLO A.2 Supporting people with ASD and their families - BSc in Autism Studies; PLOA.6 Supporting families of children with ASD - Certificate in Autism Studies and Foundation Degree in Autism Studies )
Causes of autism (PLO A.1 knowledge and understanding of causes, characteristics and epidemiology of autism spectrum conditions - BSc in Autism Studies; PLO A.2 Knowledge and understanding of the causes of autism - Certificate in Autism Studies and Foundation Degree in Autism Studies)
Models of disability applied to the autism spectrum. (PLO A.1 knowledge and understanding of causes, characteristics and epidemiology of autism spectrum conditions and PLO A.3 Person-centred approaches as a value base for the provision of services - BSc in Autism Studies)
Issues for services (co-morbidity, structure, sensory and environmental issues, etc) (PLO A.2 Supporting people with ASD and their families and PLO A.4 Approaches to creating autism-friendly services - BSc in Autism Studies; PLO A.3 Issues for supporting people with ASD in services and schools - Certificate in Autism Studies and Foundation Degree in Autism Studies)
This module will also give students the opportunity to both develop and demonstrate transferable skills D1 Communication, D1 Working together and D3 Information technology (D1, D2 and D5 on the BSc).
As part of either the Foundation degree or the BSc, they will also complete TZAUT2 (introduction to supporting people on the autism spectrum), TZ AUT3 (Intervention part 1), SO328 (Academic development) and TZAUT7 (Case study assessment). Students who do not gain enough credits for a Foundation degree but have enough credits for a certificate in autism studies will usually have completed TZAUT2, TZAut3, TZAut7 and either SO328 or TZAUT6 (essay).
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
