The philosophy of this course is grounded in an evidence base that individuals with developmental disorders have usually an overlapping picture of difficulties. The ‘pure’ individual is uncommon and most children presenting with one developmental disorder will have at least one other. This drives the course to be not only inter-disciplinary in nature but to also consider different models of disability, including social and medical models, in the light of the international classification of functioning framework (ICF, WHO).The need to consider not only the aetiology but also the presentation routes and management and intervention approaches, ensures that by the end of the course the student will have not only a conceptual understanding, but also a knowledge of ways of setting up services, and be able to consider management strategies.
The style of the course provides the student with an opportunity to use a variety of learning techniques supporting different types of learners. It includes face-to-face learning, group work and debate, as well as online, web-based lively discussion, information-seeking opportunities and formative and summative assessment. This provides the opportunity for national and international students to participate and contribute fully to a dynamic course where students contribute to the knowledge and content, as well as the tutors, in order to gain an understanding of current practices, limitations and opportunities.
