Autism and Related Neurodevelopmental Conditions (Taught)

A one year course entirely online, which teaches students the fundamentals of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The PGCert in Autism is a joint programme between NSPC and Middlesex University, leading to a PGCert awarded by MIddlesex University.

Fees are available here.

• The programme aims to:

• To provide students with the neurobiology, psychology, and sociology necessary for understanding and helping people with autism and their families.

• To instil the ability to critically evaluate evidence and to apply it to practical issues raised by people with developmental disorder, and their families

• To develop the ability to apply theoretical understanding to practice

• To ensure that successful students learn relevant research and evaluation methods

• To demonstrate methods of assessment and intervention in autism

• To demonstrate the use of an online environment for teaching and training

• To enhance the ability to work collaboratively with others

• To deepen student’s knowledge of, and their ability to apply, accurate and appropriate interpersonal, ethical and cultural sensitivity, and empathic understanding

Autism Spectrum Disorders: This module develops awareness of diagnosis and presentation of autism. It also provides a comprehensive account of contemporary knowledge about the causes and effective therapies, approaches and interventions in ASD, and to enable the student to be able to combine these personal and scientific perspectives.

Neuropsychological and neurobiological approaches to atypical development: This module aims to provide all of the necessary biological and psychosocial knowledge for a student to be able to read and understand the scientific literature on the causes, development, ascertainment, impact, and management of the neurodevelopmental disorder. Giving students a foundational knowledge base, that also assists completion of other modules of the course.

Development through the life span: Autism and neurodiversity involves issues of development and within this module students will learn to critically appraise developmental theories, demonstrating how physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development interact and how theories of development, and developmental stages, can be applied to counselling psychology. Development stage theories will be evaluated in the context of the existential reflections on the purpose of development as an unfolding project.

Social, Cultural, and ethical issues: This module will cover cultural variations, and the impact of social organization and culture on morals, values, and social expectation. It will enable students to make appropriate decisions about consent, confidentiality, discrimination, exploitation, fairness, duty of care, and other ethical and moral quandaries in professional practice.

OR

Research Methods Module: This module will provide an understanding of the contribution of research to the growth of knowledge and the effectiveness of practice. It will give the student a grounding in research approaches, with particular attention to the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative approaches.