Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Clinical Psychology and Developmental Diversity
School	School of Psychology
Department	School of Psychology
Module Code	03 40321
Module Lead	Dr Shereen Sharaan
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-10 hours Guided independent study-170 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	Child development is highly heterogeneous, and can be characterised by differing developmental trajectories across emotional, social and cognitive domains. Notwithstanding these individual differences, at critical points in development, we as clinicians and academics determine that a child's development may not be in line with chronological age expectations or developmental milestones. At this point we may diagnose one of many neurodevelopmental conditions, and implement a variety of interventions to optimise outcomes.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Define intellectual disability, neurogenetic syndromes and autism and describe the main cognitive, behavioural and developmental characteristics. Explore evidence for and against the concept of behavioural phenotypes in specific syndrome groups associated with autism and/or intellectual disability. Understand key aspects of the biopsychosocial model of behaviour and operant learning theory. Understand the principles of psychological theories that underpin the aetiology, assessment and interventions for neurodevelopmental conditions and co-occurring conditions. Assess the strengths and limitations of interventions used to improve clinical outcomes in neurodevelopmental conditions. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of assessments and interventions in neurodevelopmental conditions through synthesising data and developing well-reasoned arguments based on supporting evidence and critical evaluation.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: Assessed via 50% coursework (1500 word written assignment) and 50% essay-based exam at the end of the semester Reassessment: Exam
Other
Reading List