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.
In this module, we will explore three groups of neurodevelopmental conditions: intellectual disability, specific neurogenetic syndromes, and autism. We will consider how these diagnoses are made, how psychological models inform assessment and intervention, and the efficacy and ethics of such interventions.
The sessions in this module will cover a range of issues, including:
1. Context – history and aetiology.
2. Developmental diversity.
3. Psychological assessment and intervention in intellectual disability and co-occurring conditions (learning theory).
4. Gene-brain-behaviour relationships.
5. Psychological assessment and intervention in neurogenetic syndromes and co-occurring conditions.
6. Autism diagnostic criteria.
7. Psychological assessment and intervention in autism and co-occurring conditions.
8. Ethics and controversies.
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.
