Understanding the autism spectrum
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| 5 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) | |
| End-of-course assessment | No residential school |
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This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
Autism is a spectrum of conditions (ASC) characterised by social, communicative, sensory-motor and cognitive difficulties. The social and psychological consequences can be profound. This course provides an accessible introduction to the autistic spectrum, principles and problems of diagnosis, and biological and psychological approaches to explaining underlying causes. Approaches to care, education and therapy, and issues concerning social support, legal rights and well-being of autistic individuals are explored. The course is especially relevant to educators, learning support workers and healthcare professionals; parents, siblings, care-givers and relatively able autistic people; all those with an interest in the psychological and health sciences.
Course content
The course text, case studies and multimedia materials illustrate the symptoms of ASC, the effects on behaviour, mental functioning and social adaptation, and the consequences for the individual and his or her family. Particular emphasis is given to juxtaposing scientific and clinical approaches with the perspectives of autistic individuals and their relatives, and to considering the different issues that arise in childhood and the adult years.
The course opens with an introductory overview of autistic conditions. You will then engage with key milestones in the history of work on autism, such as the notion of a ‘triad’ of impairments, and the concept of a spectrum encompassing individuals and sub-groups (such as Asperger’s Syndrome) differing in terms of symptoms, severity and consequences. You will study the principles and procedures involved in diagnosing ASC, and consider issues such as the implications of ASC as a label, and the claim that the incidence of autism may be on the increase. The course text, case studies and multimedia will guide you through key contemporary approaches to explaining the psychological and biological mechanisms that cause autistic conditions. You will then learn about recent developments in methods for helping people on the autism spectrum, and about the issues and choices that must be addressed in both therapy and education. You will engage with family perspectives on autism, considering the impact on relatives, and issues of individual rights and entitlements. The course ends with a look at how individuals live and come to terms with ASC, and the pathways that promote the development of self and well-being.
You will learn
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- explain and illustrate what is meant by an Autism Spectrum Condition
- describe and illustrate the main symptoms and manifestations of ASC in relation to the core ‘triad’ of difficulties in communication, social interaction and flexibility of thought
- outline the ways symptoms vary in their expression and severity between individuals and sub-groups on the spectrum, and between children, young people and adults
- outline the main diagnostic sub-groups within the ASC family of conditions
- explain the significance of key milestones in the history of autism research and practice
- consider procedures and issues involved in identifying and diagnosing ASC
- evaluate claims concerning the incidence and prevalence of ASC in populations
- introduce the main levels of explanation – particularly psychological and biological – necessary to understand the causes and manifestations of ASC
- understand the use of scientific methods in exploring autism and helping people with ASC
- outline and evaluate recent psychological and biological research findings concerning the causes of ASC
- discuss the educational implications of ASC and consider the educational options for the child or young person with ASC
- outline key approaches to care and therapy for people with ASC and consider their implications
- discuss issues relating to the family, social support needs and legal rights of people on the spectrum
- consider the pathways that enable people on the spectrum to develop a sense of self and well-being
- illustrate the importance of first-person knowledge, alongside scientific insights, in building a complete picture of ASC.
Entry
You aren’t expected to have any knowledge of autism, but you should be able to read and understand written English of a style and complexity characteristic of a professional magazine or quality newspaper.
If you have not studied up to GCSE level fairly recently, you should expect to spend longer on the course materials.
It is essential that you establish whether or not your background and experience give you a sound basis on which to tackle the course, since students who are appropriately prepared have the best chance of completing their studies successfully. Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you to progress to courses at Level 2.
The package Are you ready for science study? offers an interactive quiz to help you decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the course or whether you should consider first studying an introductory Openings course, such as Understanding health (Y178).
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
Outside the UK
Much of the course material considers ASC from a globally relevant perspective, and the course also includes case reports on individuals from different ethnic groups, cultures, genders and ages. However, a number of aspects of the course deal with the person with ASC in the context of the UK health, educational and welfare services, and include references to UK provision. The provision of health and education services for ASC is likely to differ outside the UK, though many of the overarching issues will still be relevant.
Preparatory work
If you have not studied formally for some time, we suggest you consider taking an Openings course, such as Understanding health (Y178), before starting SK124. If you don’t already have the necessary computing and internet skills, we recommend you study sections three and four of the SAFARI materials, provided by the OU Library, before you begin your study of SK124. As an alternative you may wish to take one of the many courses available at your local adult education centre.
If you particularly wish to improve your study skills, you’re strongly advised to read The Sciences Good Study Guide (1997) by A. Northedge, J. Thomas, A. Lane and A. Peasgood, which can be purchased from Open University worldwide. Further advice is available from the Learning with the OU website.
Qualifications
SK124 is an optional course in our:
- Certificate in Health Sciences (C78)
- Foundation Degree in Paramedic Sciences (G11)
- Foundation Degree in Health Sciences (G12)
- Foundation Degree in Operating Department Practice (G19)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Operating Department Practice (E58)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Health Sciences (E49)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Paramedic Sciences (E52)
- BSc (Honours) Life Sciences (B28)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it can help to weight your degree towards a BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
Excluded combinations
Sometimes you will not be able to count a course towards a qualification if you have already taken another course with similar content. To check any excluded combinations relating to this course, visit our excluded combination finder or check with our Student Registration & Enquiry Service before registering.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical or scientific materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Large print versions of the course materials can be provided on request. Other alternative formats of the course materials may be available in the future. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting your needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
We expect the course to have one main text, a DVD-ROM, and other supporting materials either printed or delivered through the dedicated course website.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Study support
You can telephone or email a study adviser, who will be able to help you with academic questions to do with the course and the assessment. There will also be an online discussion forum that you can use to get in touch with study advisers and other students.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
The interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) are at roughly three week intervals throughout the course. The end-of-course assessment (ECA) must be submitted online. There will also be some formative exercises to enable you to monitor your progress throughout the course.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in November 2010. We expect it to be available once a year in November.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
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An undergraduate course in Health and Social Care and Science.
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