Education for Students on the Autism Spectrum (D)
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| EDUC4236 | Education | 4 | 30 | Autumn UK, Spring UK |
- Code
- EDUC4236
- School
- Education
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 30
- Semesters
- Autumn UK, Spring UK
Summary
This module will encourage students to consider the support needs of students on the autism spectrum in mainstream and special schools. They will be introduced to the characteristics and prevalence of autism and what this means for teachers. Discussions of the benefit of a ‘whole school approach’ to supporting children on the autism spectrum will lead to exploration of values, attitudes and expectations as well as strategies for building a supportive community. The concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will be reviewed and applicability to mainstream and special schools will be investigated.
Students will be introduced to strategies for planning the support for students with a range of needs associated with the autism spectrum, including environmental, communication, sensory, social/emotional, and learning support. In addition, they will be introduced to the concept of positive behaviour support and strategies for supporting students.
Some of the key educational interventions for students on the autism spectrum will be evaluated and applicability to mainstream and special schools will be assessed. Interventions will include, but not be limited to Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped Children (TEACCH), Pivotal Response Training (PRT), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and social emotional skills programmes. Elements of these interventions that could be used in mainstream and special settings will be identified and applications explored.
Target Students
Module is available toMA in Special and Inclusive Education or MA Education flexible students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of seminars and tutorials.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 6,000 words or equivalent
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
This module aims to:Build on learning from previous modules to encourage students to use their research and critical thinking skills to develop knowledge and understanding of the needs of autistic students in mainstream schools.Consider approaches to education development such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL).Explore and critically appraise some of the strategies and interventions developed to support learning for students on the autism spectrum.Develop an understanding of schools as a whole community including the voice of students, parents, teachers and others.Learning Outcomes
A. Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of this module, students should demonstrate a critical understanding of:
practice relevant to meeting a wide range of learning needs.
B. Intellectual Skills
On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to:
understand and critique theory and research evidence in the area of special and inclusive education.
C. Professional/Practical Skills
On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate that they can:
apply the principles of inclusion to practice.
D. Transferable/Key Skills
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
plan for change at individual, group and organisational level.