Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

Course details

The Centre for Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Diversity at St. Angela’s College, Sligo has, in recent, years developed a number of online blended-learning options at postgraduate level for all professionals interested in the areas of Special Educational Needs (SEN). There are currently ten modules to choose from:

• Adult, Disadvantaged and Intercultural Education (ADI)
• Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)
• Challenging Behaviour (CB)
• Educational Research Methods
• General Learning Disabilities (GLDs)
• Inclusion for Learning
• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Specific Learning Difficulties 1 – Communication, Speech and Language Difficulties and Dyslexia (SLD I)
• Specific Learning Difficulties 11- Dyscalculia, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyspraxia Developmental Coordination Disorder (SLD II)

The aim of the modules is to provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development for those interested in and/or working with learners with special educational needs (Further details on the individual modules are provided at the end of this document).

These standalone online blended learning modules involve e-tivities, discussion boards and face-to-face workshops and have a credit weighting of 15 ECTS. Modules are offered regularly over the academic year.

Completion of two modules from the suite of on-line blended learning modules listed above(30 ECTS) = Postgraduate Certificate

Completion of four modules from the suite of on-line blended learning modules listed above(60 ECTS) = Postgraduate Diploma

Participants may progress to Masters level on successful completion (an honours standard) of four modules from those listed above which must include the on-line blended learning module on Educational Research Methods.

This module aims to develop knowledge, skills and understanding in relation to effective teaching of learners with ASDs and the theories that consolidate the implementation of a learner-centred philosophy which employs a combined-skills approach to meeting the needs of learners with ASDs.This module is delivered using online learning components and face-to-face workshops.

Continuous assessment will apply throughout the programme. It will combine coursework on relevant aspects of Special Educational Needs with e-tivities, discussion boards, portfolio/project-based learning, literature reviews and case studies, which will be carried out within an appropriate educational context during the academic year. The concept of the ‘reflective practitioner’ will be a basic criterion permeating all forms of assessment.

Career Opportunities

The modules attract a wide range of participants from a variety of settings, including:

• Classroom teachers
• Graduates who wish to do a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and area awaiting a place on the programme
• Qualified teachers who are seeking full-time employment
• Employees within the Health Service Executive who work with learners with Special Educational Needs
• Principals, managers and Department Inspectorate
• Employees and Managers within Early Childhood Education sector
• Classroom assistants (including cuntóirí teanga)
• Educational Psychologists
• Learning Support Tutors
• Speech and Language Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Parents and Family Members involved in the care of learners with special educational needs
• Any others involved in the training or educational needs of learners with special educational needs