Social work and social care

Understanding Autism and Learning Disability for Social Work, Health, and Social Care (L6)

Module code: 912L6
Level 6
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Online seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

Knowledge is changing rapidly around the experiences and capabilities of those who are autistic or have a learning disability, many of the changes coming from within these communities themselves. This module takes a research and rights focused approach to working with autistic people, learning disabled people, and those who are both autistic and learning disabled. We will look at these from the family perspective across the lifecourse, considering work with autistic/LD parents, children, teenagers and adults. The focus will be on developing knowledge to help practice for those in social work, social care, or health, in order to facilitate fresh approaches to working with families and individuals.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a meaningful awareness of the experiences and support needs of autistic people and those with learning disabilities
• Show a critical understanding of the context of services and barriers to services
• Identify the complexities of support for autism and learning disability across the lifecourse
• Critically reflect on neurodiversity within social and cultural contexts