• Programme aims
• Programme content
• Entry requirements
• Awards
• Fees

Programme aims

The programme is designed for individuals who have experience, either through their work or as a carer or parent of a person with ASD. It will provide a broad understanding of ASD, introducing the latest research findings and insights into current best practice. It will prepare both practitioners and parents to draw upon recognised strategies for meeting the needs of individuals with ASD in a variety of settings.

As such, this course is of real benefit to, and can be studied by, a wide variety of people including:

• Parents of children with ASD
• Those working with adults with ASD
• Learning Support Assistants
• Residential Care and Social Workers
• Those providing support in day centres and colleges

As this is a web-based course, it is available throughout the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands at present. The University is currently piloting the course in Sweden in partnership with Lund University, and plans to introduce the course to other countries in the future.

Programme content

Delivery

This unique, innovative course takes full advantage of interactive training methods such as the Internet, and audio and video material on CD-ROM, to make learning as interesting and accessible as possible.

The programme has been carefully designed to appeal to a variety of learning styles and offers a flexible approach to learning, allowing you to fit your study around your work and family commitments. Face-to-face tutorials are also arranged in your local area to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow students and discuss work with an experienced lecturer/practitioner.

Structure

The programme is modular - with one module for each term - and three modules every year. Those students who progress to the Certificate in Higher Education will have the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of interest in the second year.

Module 1: Understanding and responding to Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Credits: 20; Study Level: C

This module will explore what it means to have an autistic spectrum disorder. It will reflect on how the world may be perceived by the individual with ASD. Students will be encouraged to examine their own practice and look at ways in which they can meet the specific needs of the person with ASD with whom they work. The module will identify and explore specific restrictions in communication, socialisation and rigidity of thought of a person with ASD and will discuss implications for meeting those needs. It will encourage students to reflect on how the person with ASD best learns within the framework of using the strengths of the individual to manage weaknesses.

Module 2: Working with individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Credits: 20; Study Level: C

This module will introduce students to key approaches in the education of people with ASD. It will examine the importance of partnership with parents and carers and will explore the meaning of multidisciplinary and collaborative practice. Students will be encouraged to look at how they can create conditions that enable people with ASD to predict their world with a degree of confidence. This includes ways of approaching challenging behaviour.

Module 3: Models for Practice when working with people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Credits: 20; Study Level: C

Students will be encouraged to look at the wider world in which people with ASD live. The module will cover an overview of the life-long education of people with ASD. It will examine the background to the development of services and this will include understanding the context of an inclusive society. The implications of new legislation and inclusion to the design and organisation of service provision in both children and adult services will be covered.

Assessment

Students will be asked to complete a portfolio of work with each module. This portfolio consists of an assignment with three parts: a short essay based on course material, case study evidence of caring or work-based practice and summaries of web-based discussions.

Work from this programme can contribute to NVQ/LDAF qualifications. Some aspects of the course may also contribute to assessment within these qualifications. The programme is at a level equivalent to NVQ level 4 or above.

Programme Year

This programme runs from January to December.

Programme entry requirements

Experience in the field of ASD, rather than formal educational qualifications, are the main requirements for entry. We normally expect two years’ experience of working with, or supporting, an individual with ASD.

Currently caring for, or working, with children or adults with ASD.

Access to an on-line multimedia computer is essential – this may be from home or an out-of-hours workplace. No advanced computer skills are required beyond being able to use the Internet and to send and rec

Applicants must have a personal email account.

Awards

The University of Birmingham has an excellent reputation for providing courses for training practitioners who work in the field of autistic spectrum disorders. This web-based part-time course offers two levels of qualification: a University Certificate and a Certificate of Higher Education.

The University Certificate (ASD) is a practical programme of study over a period of one year. It is a part-time web-based course, earning 60 credits at undergraduate level.

Fees

Fees in 2007 are £1000 for UK/EU nationals, £2584 for Islands applicants and £4500 for overseas applicants.

Please note that if you are studying on a part-time programme that has a registration period of more than 12 months (i.e. if you continue onto the Certificate of Higher Education in ASDs), the fees for the second year will rise with costs.

Financial Support

You may be eligible to apply for financial support. For details on eligibility and applications go to http://www.studserv.bham.ac.uk/fsoffice/ or contact the University of Birmingham Finance Support Office: financialsupport@bham.ac.uk, Tel: 0121 414 7391.