PSYC40340 Understanding Neurodiversity

Academic Year 2024/2025

Neurodiversity is a term to describe variation in human brain functions relating to sociability, learning, attention and mood. Neurodiversity encompasses conditions such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyspraxia, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia. As such neurodiversity is common. The prevalence of autism in the United States is now 1 in 42 among boys and 1 in 189 among girls and the prevalence of ADHD is approximately 5% (Centre for Disease Control, 2019). Typically those who are neurodiverse will have at least two conditions as it is clinically rare for these conditions to exist in isolation. The Growing up in Ireland data (Nixon, 2014) demonstrates the lack of diagnostic supports available to those with neurodiversity in Ireland with less than 1 in 5 with ADHD for example, receiving a diagnosis and an even lower percentage accessing effective supports.

Understanding Neurodiversity sets out to address several key areas from aetiology to assessment and diagnosis of a range of conditions. Theoretical perspectives are pursued, and discourse includes contemporary thinking and future potential research directions. The interplay between biological, genetic and environmental influences is examined whilst heretofore accepted narratives are critiqued.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module the student will be able to:
• Display advanced knowledge of neurodiversity including neurobiology, aetiology and best practice assessment protocols.
• Display advanced knowledge of atypical neurodevelopmental profiles pertaining to learning, behaviour and skill acquisition.
• Critically examine current issues in neurodiversity and develop practical expertise that can be applied to professional decision-making and problem-solving processes to minimize societal barriers.
• Plan and document a systematic strategy to synthesize evidenced based approaches to difficulties that arise for neurodiverse individuals in different settings.
• Utilize practical frameworks for evidence translation, with reference to their own experience/practice/workplace.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

33
Practical

12
Total

45
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Blended approaches using active learning approaches in seminar and workshop format. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade

Not yet recorded.

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.