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Autism and Learning - PG Certificate/Diploma/MEd

Course Leaflet (pdf)

Autism Report 2010
Autism Report 2007

Over the last few years the quality of provision for children and young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has become a national concern. A large body of research highlights a lack of staff training in autism as a key barrier to the inclusion of children and young people with ASD. We seek to address this barrier by offering a new, interprofessional PG Certificate/Diploma/MEd in Autism and Learning.

The programme aims to give practitioners an in depth understanding of the condition and the working of the autistic mind. It will equip participants with a range of practical approaches and interventions that will enable children and young people on the spectrum to access learning, participate actively, experience success, gain independence, and fulfil their potential. Establishing a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach is a central feature of all courses.

The Programme is designed for parents, teachers, therapists, care workers and other practitioners involved in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum across key services including Education, Health, Social Work, Social Care and the Voluntary Sector. Entry is open to participants with a relevant degree (or equivalent), an ability to study at postgraduate level, and relevant experience.

Aims of the Programme

• To develop knowledge and understanding of the concept of inclusion.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of Autism.
• To develop collaborative partnerships with children, parents, colleagues and other agencies.
• To engage critically with theory, literature and research.
• To use acquired and undertanding of autism to reflect critically upon practice.
• To apply acquired knowledge and understanding of autism to formulate effective support for children and young people on the spectrum.
• To apply acquired knowledge and understanding of autism in order to contribute to staff development and workplace improvement.

Programme Structure (180 SM Point pathway)

Certificate Level

• Course 1: Understanding Autism in an Inclusive Context (15 SM Points)
  • The course will cover a range of conceptual issues fundamental to an understanding of autism spectrum disorders and inclusion.


• Course 2: Enabling Learning and Participation: Approaches and Interventions (15 SM Points)
  • Participants will gain experience in translating concepts and principles acquired in course one into effective practice.
  
  
• Course 3: Making Sense of Behaviour (15 SM Points)
  • This course explores the links between the Triad of Impairments, sensory issues and behaviour, and offers practical strategies for identifying solutions.


• Course 4: The Autism Friendly Workplace (15 SM Points)
  • This course will explore policy, practice and provision and examine the development of the autism friendly workplace.

Diploma Level

• Course 5: Professional Enquiry (30 SM Points)
  • This course provides the opportunity to acquire research skills and to explore different research paradigms. Students will plan, design and implement a small scale research project.


• Course 6: Controversies and Dilemmas in Autism and Learning (30 SM Points)
  • This course will critically explore the current controversies and dilemmas in Autism and Learning. Topics will include: Causation and Diagnosis/Autism and Inclusion/ Autism Specific Service Provision/Self-Understanding and Independence/ Relationships, Sexuality & Mental Health.

MEd Level

• Course 7: Work Based Project and Dissertation (60 SM Points)
  • The Master course involves systematic investigation of a specific area of study in Autism and Learning, within an appropriate theoretical framework

Please click the following link to apply - Application Form

Delivery Arrangments

All courses are delivered face to face at the University of Aberdeen, School of Education.

For further information contact:

Email: j.ravet@abdn.ac.uk

Email: autism@abdn.ac.uk

School of Education · University of Aberdeen · MacRobert Building · King's College · Aberdeen · AB24 5UA · UK
Telephone: (+44) 1224 274776 · Fax: (+44)1224 274900 · E-mail: education@abdn.ac.uk

Page last modified: Monday, 21-May-2012 16:00:26 BST

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