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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Autism & Wellbeing Across the Continuum
Module Code SI604 (ITS) / ISE1023 (Banner)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School Inclusive & Special Education
Module Co-ordinatorRosemary Savage
Module TeachersNeil Kenny
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Description

This module will focus on current and evolving issues in relation to the education of autistic pupils, including life span perspective (early intervention, primary and post primary life), the well-being of autistic students, including; mental health, sexuality, and self-esteem. This module will also support participants' understanding of behaviour as communication and will address proactive strategies to analyse, understand, prevent and reduce the incidences of distressed behaviour.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically reflect and evaluate the research literature regarding the core issues relating to autism (neurodiversity, cognitive theories, legislation, rights, values, policy, terminology, provision) in the context of supporting wellbeing among autistic students in school settings.
2. Recognise the signs of anxiety/low wellbeing in autistic pupils and contribute in an informed and reflective manner to discussion on factors that may lead to anxiety and low wellbeing in autistic pupils.
3. Identify and evaluate the environmental supports, teaching strategies and evidence informed approaches that might be implemented to reduce and/or prevent anxiety and promote wellbeing, which support both autistic students and their parents, incorporating effective approaches to advocacy.
4. Discuss and critically reflect on ways of supporting pupils to manage emotional, behavioural, wellbeing and mental health priorities with an emphasis on evidence informed strategies which are affirming and appropriate for autistic pupils.
5. Identify and discuss long term approaches to working with autistic pupils that are strengths-based and consider their particular experiences and ways of thinking, that promote greater flexibility and independence and foster pupils’ life skills and social and emotional needs.
6. Communicating accurately and succinctly orally and in writing, their analysis, synthesis and critique of evidence informed strategies for supporting the emotional, social, wellbeing and behavioural priorities of autistic pupils in an educational setting.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture1512 x 1 ¼ face to face & online lectures
Group work93 discussion fora
Independent Study101Reading, implementation of content at work, analysis and reflection on module content
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
● Learner as individual; positive learner identity; student voice; ● Strengths-based approach; ●Learner wellbeing; ● Development of play in autistic pupils; ● Life-skills; ● Sexuality; ● Self-Esteem; ● Mental health; ● Anxiety; ● Behaviour as communication; ● Advocacy for autistic students; ● Development of flexibility and independence; ● Supporting transition; ● Functional assessment.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
PresentationThe students will be required to develop a 10-15 minute video essay, accompanied by a script, mind map and reference list. In this video essay, students must communicate accurately and succinctly, their analysis, synthesis and critique of a pertinent issue relating to the wellbeing of autistic learners (Shared with Module SI601)100%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    None

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