Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PSY5586

 
TITLE Children with SEBD and ASD

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Psychology

 
DESCRIPTION This unit is intended to make participants familiar with the characteristics and developmental profiles of children with learning and behavioural difficulties, particularly children with socio-emotional and behavioural difficulties, and children with autism spectrum disorders. It provides participants with a framework for assessment and intervention with these children.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this unit, participants should:
- Understand the strengths and needs of children with SEBD and ASD
- Understand the frameworks underlying instruments for assessment of children with SEBD and ASD
- Develop skills in assessment of children with SEBD and ASD
- Develop skills in functional assessment
- Have knowledge of intervention strategies appropriate for children with SEBD and ASD
- Develop skills in applying intervention strategies for children with SEBD and ASD in ecological settings

OUTLINE:

Part (i) is aimed at enabling participants to understanding SEBD and ADHD: Biopsychosocial approaches and assessment methods and instruments; cognitive, behavioural and systemic approaches to intervention; psychotherapeutic approaches; preventive work in early childhood, primary and secondary schools; and supporting families of children with SEBD and ADHD. The role of the educational psychologist is discussed.

Part (ii) is aimed at helping participants to develop a framework for identification and assessment of children with difficulties within the autistic spectrum, including consideration of the triad of impairments; Asperger’s syndrome; differential assessment; and assessment tools. Different explanations of the condition are discussed in relation to the various management and treatment approaches. Educational approaches will be considered, including ways of supporting the the families of children with autism, as well as the inclusion of these children in regular classrooms.

REQUIRED TEXT:

- Cooper, P. (Ed) (1999). Understanding and Supporting Children with EBD London: Jessica Kingsley.
- Heflin, L.J., & Alaimo, D.F. (2007). Students with autism spectrum disorders: Effective instructional practices. New Jersey: Pearson.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Seminar

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Case Study Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Baldacchino Paul Attard
Paul A. Bartolo
Carmel Cefai
Paul Cooper
Claudette Portelli

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit