This course has 10 modules. Each module is aimed at ensuring the learner achieves understanding of a specific area within the field of ASD. Assignments which include case studies are interspersed throughout the modules. Each module and its outcomes are listed below: Module 1 – What is ASD? • Define ASD. • The history and background of ASD. • The historical timeline of ASD. Module 2 – The clinical diagnosis of ASD • The concept of a clinical diagnosis. • The changes that have been made to the diagnostic criteria for ASD. • The current diagnostic criteria for ASD. Module 3 – Features and characteristics of ASD • Developmental red flags associated with children who have ASD. • Communication difficulties in children with ASD. • Other characteristics and features that may be associated with ASD. • The difference between high and low functioning ASD. Module 4 – Challenging behaviours and ASD • Challenging behaviours commonly associated with children who have ASD. • Positive strategies for supporting behaviour improvement. • Strategies to manage a crisis situation. Module 5 – Causes of ASD • The myths and misunderstandings of ASD. • Theories about the causes of ASD. Module 6 – Assessment of children with ASD • Screening tools for ASD • Barriers to the early assessment of ASD. • The diagnostic evaluation process for ASD. • The evaluation of co-occurring developmental conditions. • The processes used to evaluate underlying medical conditions. Module 7 – Emotional and social difficulties associated with ASD • The emotional and social development of children with ASD. • How children with ASD perceive, process, and understand the world around them. • Strengths associated with ASD. • Social and emotional difficulties of children with ASD. • The impact of ASD on the family. Module 8 – ASD and comorbid difficulties • Medical comorbidities in ASD. • Genetic syndromes that have been associated with ASD. • ASD and mood and anxiety disorders. • ASD and comorbid externalising disorders (incl. ADHD and ODD). • ASD and Schizophrenia. • ASD and OCD. • ASD and learning difficulties (incl. dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia). • ASD and motor coordination difficulties (incl. dyspraxia). • ASD and sensory processing. • ASD and sleep problems. • ASD and intellectual/ developmental delays. • ASD and language/ communication difficulties. Module 9 – Treatment of ASD • Principles of intervention for ASD. • Parent-mediated interventions for ASD. • Behavioural/ psychological interventions for ASD. • Communication interventions for ASD. • Other interventions available to support children with ASD. • Pharmacological interventions for ASD. Module 10 – Accommodating a child with ASD in the classroom • Developing an Individual Education Plan. • Facilitating for a child with ASD. • Understanding learning styles of children with ASD. • Priming and exposing children with ASD to academic material. • Academic modifications. • Developing a home-base. • Using visual supports. • Strategies to reinforce and reward a child with ASD. • Strategies to manage challenging behaviour. • Teaching communication. • Assistive technology to support learning. • Sensory considerations. • Strategies and techniques for parents. Course Assessment Requirements: This course is comprised of 50 notional hours. These hours are structured within the following manner: • 20 hours of reading and self-study using the allocated readings and learner guide. • 15 hours completing the formative and summative assessment activity requirements for the course. This includes multiple-choice questions, knowledge questions and an essay submission requirement as part of the portfolio of evidence. • 15 hours completing the practical and case study requirements of the course through the use of case studies developed for the purposes of assessing applied knowledge of the content of the course. *Note: hours spent reading, in self-study and completing assessment activity requirements will be recorded in a logbook/ attendance register for the purposes of confirming attendance on the course.