Students will complete 30 credits per year of the programme as follows:

Year 1 Modules:

• AD1009: Autism in a Historical and Contemporary context (5 credits)
  A history of autism: the concept and diagnosis of the 'autistic spectrum': autism as a social construction: medical and psychological theories of autism; autism and the social model of disability, perceptions of autism.
• AD1010: Policy and Practice (5 credits)
  Overview of relevant legislation and policies; best practice guidelines; models of service; monitoring practice, policy and standards.
• AD1019: Autism, Mental Health and Wellbeing (5 credits)
  The effect of ASD on an individual's mental health; explore the possibilities of receiving differentiated diagnosis between ASD and mental issues; living with ASD and mental health issues for families, services and society; promoting well-being for people with ASD and their families.
• AD1036: Strengths and Challenges of Autism (5 credits)
  The triad of impairments at different stages of development; sensory and motor difficulties; emotions, relationships and sexuality; living with autism; autism in the workplace and community; different ways in which people on the autistic spectrum experience the world.
• AD1037: Interventions and Supports across the Lifespan (10 credits)
  Key approaches in the education of people with autism throughout the lifespan; diverse approaches to inclusion.

Year 2 Modules:

• AD2016: Theories and Models of Autism (10 credits)
  Syndrome models (Kanner, Asperger, triad/ dyad), cognitive (theory of mind, executive function, weak central coherence), psychological / psychoanalytical, biological (hormonal, 'extreme male brain', genetic causes), autism and the social model of disability, the concept of 'neurodiversity'.
• AD2017: Perceptions and Portrayals (5 credits)
  Novels, art, movies and television shows which depict autism, the role of social media, the portrayal of autism in the news media, the language of autism.
• AD2018: Autism, Citizenship and the Law (5 credits)
  The hierarchy of Irish law and legislative change. Legal framework providing services and conferring rights on people with autism. Concepts of citizenship, autonomy and decision-making. The history of citizenship and concepts of citizenship for disabled people, with reference to autonomy, resources and participation in society and employment. Adovcacy and assisted decision-making. Landmark legal cases regarding autism and disability in Ireland.
• AD2019: Autism and Daily Living (10 credits)
  Emotions, family, relationships and sexuality; the economic, educational and social impact of autism; the various factors that affect people who have autism and the impact on daily living.

Applicants will be asked to submit a Personal Statement, detailing their motivation to take this course and any work or life experience relevant to the subject of ASD.

Lectures will be delivered one evening a week, with occasional Saturday sessions. Students will be given recommended reading (usually a short paper), but are free to explore beyond the set texts.

This course is assessed entirely by continuous assessment.  Assignments include a journal article review, a legal case study, a reflective log and an academic essay as well as learning journals

Lectures will be delivered by a diverse and highly qualified lecturing team, which may include academics, researchers, clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, support workers and those involved in policy. Some of our lecturing team have a diagnosis of ASD themselves. This diversity ensures students are given a wide range of perspectives on many important issues that may not be found in other courses.

Currently closed for application