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PSYC40340

Academic Year 2024/2025

Understanding Neurodiversity (PSYC40340)

Subject:
Psychiatry
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Medicine
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Blánaid Gavin
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Distinction/Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

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
Autonomous Student Learning

60
Online Learning

95
Total

200

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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Case based and exploring pertinent academic literature and theoretical frameworks. Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
100
 No

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.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Workshop Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 3 Thurs 10:00 - 15:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 16:00 - 17:50
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