Working with children in early years and schools settings, or in children's centres today means that you will almost certainly encounter children diagnosed with or suspected of experiencing Developmental Trauma, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In this module students study a range of serious difficulties which some children encounter, together with some consideration of the interventions by which they can be helped.
Students will learn how developmental trauma jeopardises and delays children's development in their emotional, educational and social lives. They will gain understanding of the difficulties encountered by and the subjective experiences of young people on the autistic spectrum as well as some strategies which have been used to improve their situation. Similarly, students will gain an understanding of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, looking at causes, treatments and controversies which surround this.
During the module students will be helped to understand and debate the relative merits of the biological, neurological and psychosocial processes involved as well as the more apparent effects on the children and their functioning. In the module as a whole, students will learn to appreciate the complex interactions between nature and nurture in relation to all three presentations, but also recognise the central importance of connecting with each child and their unique experience of their diagnosis and difficulties as above and beyond relating to the diagnosis itself.
The module is mainly based around reading and discussion of the issues, but some seminars will include workshops and more personal engagement to bring the material alive.