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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Understanding Autism
Module Code ISE1016 (ITS: SI421)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School Inclusive & Special Education
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module will support students to develop an understanding of Autism through the lens of neurodiversity, identity and language. It will to support the development of effective assessment and planning for autistic learners in particular in the areas of communication and social and emotional learning.

Learning Outcomes

1. Engage in informed discussion about Neurodiversity, identity and the language used when talking about autism and how this can impact approaches to teaching and learning for autistic learners.
2. Understand historical and contemporary perspectives of Autism and discuss educational implications for autistic learners
3. Understand and discuss common key strengths and differences experienced by autistic people alongside educational implications
4. Critically evaluate the literature on inclusion for autistic pupils and discuss issues in relation to educational provision in Ireland.
5. Identify and understand key processes in designing and developing neuro-affirmative, assessment-informed, strengths-based IEPs/support plans for their learners including identifying strengths, priority areas for development, generating specific learning targets and planning for evidence-informed teaching approaches and effective methods for monitoring progress.
6. Identify barriers and supports to enable autistic pupils to access the curriculum including appropriate design of the learning environment, teaching materials and instruction
7. Identify the factors leading to behaviours of concern including strategies and approaches surrounding the identification, analysis, prevention and management of such behaviours
8. Identify and make informed decisions surrounding evidence-based approaches to working with autistic learners that consider their strengths and differences in particular within the areas of communication and language and social and emotional learning including motivation, self-esteem, and emotional literacy


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture4Live lectures
Independent Study96Independent reading and assignment preparation
Independent Study25Online learning activities
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20557Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorChristina O'KeeffeModule TeacherLeanne Connolly
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Completion of online activityE-portfolio/Loop reflect assessment (Part 1 based on creating e-portfolio, introduction task and generation of one key learning)20%Week 3
AssignmentE-portfolio assignment (Loop Reflect)80%Week 10
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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
Explore Autism through the lens of Neurodiversity, identity and language · Describe the principles that underpin a well-planned assessment process, designed to inform and strength-based, neuro-affirmative approach to individual planning and support. · Guide students in developing a strength-based, Individual Education Plan (IEP) / support plan for an autistic learners, and to incorporate a system of recording and monitoring of progress. · Explore evidence-informed educational practices that support the growth and development of autistic learners in their communication and social and emotional learning. · Explore the factors contributing to social, emotional and behavioural difficulties among some autistic learners. · Examine evidence-informed approaches to supporting learners who are experiencing behaviours of concern

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Jordan, R., Roberts, J. M., & Hume, K.: 2019, The SAGE Handbook of Autism and Education., SAGE Publications Limited.,
  • Ring, E., Daly, P., & Wall, E.: 2018, Autism from the Inside Out: A Handbook for Parents, Early Childhood, Primary, Post-Primary and Special School Settings., . Peter Lang Publishing Group. 29 Broadway 18th Floor, New York,,
  • O'Neil, C. & Kenny, N.: 2023, Knowledge of Autism, Scholarly Community Encyclopaedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/47153,


Articles:
  • Department of Education: 2022, Autism Good Practice Guidance, https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/autism-good-practice-guidance-for-schools-supporting-children-and-young-people/, 522354
  • 2020: "Autism is me": an investigation of how autistic individuals make sense of autism and stigma, Disability & Society, 37(3), 42745, https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2020.1822782, 522355, 1
  • Individual Education Plan Priorities: Insights From the Autistic Community and Educators Supporting Autistic Learners: European Journal of Education, Research, Development and Policy, 59, https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12800, 522356, 1, Doherty, M., McCowan, S., & Shaw, S.
  • British Journal of Hospital Medicine: 84, https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2023.0006, 522357, 1, Department of Education, 2023
  • https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/early-intervention-classes-for-children-with-autism.pdf:
Other Resources

  • 1: Website, National Council for Special Education, NCSE website,
  • 418929: 1, Website, Middletown Centre, Middletown Centre for Autism,
  • https://www.middletownautism.com/:

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