Investigating Autism

Learning outcomes: 

• To gain an understanding of the complexity of the 'autism spectrum'. This will include both an examination of the diagnostic category (autism spectrum disorder) and also the idea that the autism spectrum extends into the general population. 
• To gain an appreciation of how the autism spectrum manifests at the behavioural, cognitive and biological levels.
• To critically engage with the issue of 'interventions' and what approaches are available to help and support those on the spectrum.  

Session titles:

Session 1: What is the autism spectrum? 
In this session we will explore the historical development of autism and Asperger syndrome, examine the current diagnostic criteria for the condition and overview related issues.

Session 2: The 'cognitive' aspects of the autism spectrum. 
This session will examine some of the main theories that have attempted to describe the autism spectrum at the cognitive level.

Session 3: The 'biological' aspects of the autism spectrum. 
This session will explore two of the many areas of research that focus on how the autism spectrum manifests at the biological level.  

Session 4: What do we mean by intervention? 
This session will some examine some of the approaches that have been adopted over the years in an attempt to help people on the autism spectrum. 

Session 5: A return to cognition. 
In this session we will explore a more recent cognitive model of the autism spectrum that has wide ranging implications for wider society.

All course content will be delivered online via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You will be taught largely through a series of pre-recorded talks (which may be audio and/or video), designed to help you address different aspects of the main topic. You will normally have access to a range of useful resources and suggested activities.

There will also be an element of interactive work, and the opportunity for you to engage in written form with other course participants and discuss questions set by the Course Director via the Course Forum. The Course Director will generally respond to a selection of key questions and comments on a daily basis.

Some courses may also have elements of optional live discussions via Zoom.

There are no pre-requisites for courses, unless specified, and all are open to adult learners over 18 years old. Courses are taught at approximately first-year undergraduate level.

Content will be made available on each day of the course, Monday to Friday, from 8.00am BST. Course content will normally amount to c 1.5hrs per day across the 5 days, comprising of material delivered by the Course Director and activities/reading set, which would include discussions via the course forum. You may also need to complete reading or other preparation suggested in advance of the course.

We therefore suggest that you set aside approximately 1.5 hours of study per day to complete each day’s content and activities. However, this does not need to be done in one sitting, and you have the flexibility to access content when and where you want, and to go back and review it as often as you wish. Each course runs for one week and content will remain available to access on the VLE for 2 weeks after the course has finished.

A Certificate of Participation for the course(s) will be sent electronically, upon request via email, after the end of the Summer Festival. Details will be provided on the VLE.