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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Autism: Planning, Teaching & Learning, 1
Module Code ISE1020 (ITS: SI610)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School Inclusive & Special Education
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module focuses on the application of the skills and knowledge presented across the programme modules to the teaching and learning contexts. Specifically, it addresses the following: curriculum, inclusive pedagogy and assessment, short and long term planning, evaluation of learning, differentiation, the selection of appropriate methods strategies and resources (including digital learning, assistive and augmentative technology), teaching competencies and environmental design.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop individualised and holistic profiles that clearly identify the strengths, interests and areas for development of their autistic learners based on assessment evidence
2. Adopt a strengths-based approach to understanding their learners and developing planning documents.
3. Select appropriate assessment tools/techniques and justify their use with their chosen learners in particular within the domains of communication and language alongside social and emotional learning
4. Collate, interpret, analyse and synthesise all information available on learners in a contextualised, critical, accurate, systematic and fair manner,
5. Identify and apply key processes in designing and developing neuro-affirmative, assessment-informed, strengths-based long and short-term planning for their learners including identifying priority areas for development, generating specific learning targets and planning for evidence-informed teaching approaches and effective methods for monitoring progress relating to communication and language and social and emotional learning
6. Devise and support the development of attuned individual and group learning programmes for autistic learners based on an individualised plans following analysis and interpretation of assessment findings.
7. 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
Independent Study0Lectures and Seminars: Campus, Synchronous and Asynchronous online Independent Study Assessing, gleaning, working with learners in school in addition to school-based preparation
Total Workload: 0
Section Breakdown
CRN10835Part of TermSemester 1 & 2
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorChristina O'KeeffeModule TeacherKathryn O'Mahony, Laura Gormley, Leanne Connolly, Neil Kenny, Rosemary Savage
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentFollowing a strengths-based neuro-affirmative assessment process, the students will be expected to develop individual and group plans for the cohort of autistic students they teach including planning and design of appropriate interventions and supports alongside environmental adaptations to optimise the learner success. Students are also expected to reflect on their planning as well as monitor and record student progress100%n/a
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
1. Creating holistic learner profiles documenting strengths, interests and areas for development 2. Differentiation and universal design; 3. Creating neuro-affirmative and inclusive learning environment 4. Establishing strengths-based aims and objectives following interpretation of assessment outcomes 5. Strengths-based neuro-affirmative planning and assessment 6. Instructional adaptations; 7. Monitoring and Evaluating learner progress; 8. Effective collaboration with and management of classroom team 9. Evidence based intervention and supports

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • 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 Publications, New York,
  • Jordan, R., Roberts, J. M., & Hume, K.: 2019, The SAGE Handbook of Autism and Education, SAGE Publications,


Articles:
  • Doherty, M., McCowan, S., & Shaw, S.: 2023, Autistic SPACE: a novel framework for meeting the needs of autistic people in healthcare settings, British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 84, https://doi.org/10.12968/hmed.2023.0006, 522363
  • 2024: 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,
Other Resources

  • 1: Department of Education, 2022, Autism Good Practice Guidance,
  • 418972: 1, Department of Education, 2023, Early Intervention Classes for Children with Autism Towards a coherent, inclusive system,
  • https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/early-intervention-classes-for-children-with-autism.pdf: 418973, 1, Website, National Council for Special Education, NCSE website
  • www.ncse.ie: 418974, 1, Website, Middletown Centre for Autism, Middletown Centre for Autism Website
  • https://www.middletownautism.com/: 418975, 1, Website, As I Am, As I Am Website
  • https://asiam.ie/:

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