Program Overview

Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Child Mental Health (CHLD0043)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Population Health Sciences
• Teaching department: UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: N/A

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Summary

The understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders, their aetiology, prevalence, assessment, and treatment is a key skill for a child mental health professional. This module looks at the key disorders and their assessment, treatment, and ongoing management. The module considers the genetics of the disorders and its implications. It also includes an introduction to diagnostic tools for autism. The module also looks at transition issues and likely outcomes in adult life.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

By taking this module, you will be able to:

1. Explore the key conditions related to neurodivergence, i.e., autism, ADHD, OCD, Tourettes, and Learning Disability
2. Explore what is known in terms of their aetiology
3. Consider pathways into care and barriers that exist
4. Consider assessment procedures and available tools
5. Consider evidence-based interventions
6. Consider the use of GenAI and digital tools in assessment for neurodivergent conditions.

Who is this Module for?

This is a core module for the MSc Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Sessions will include a mixture of lectures, seminars, research paper discussions, and small group work.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a single 2,000-word essay based on a vignette.

Recommended Reading

• Faraone, S. V., Bellgrove, M. A., Brikell, I., Cortese, S., Hartman, C. A., Hollis, C., Newcorn, J. H., Philipsen, A., Polanczyk, G. V., Rubia, K., Sibley, M. H., & Buitelaar, J. K. (2024). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Nature reviews. Disease primers, 10(1), 11.
• Skuse D. (2020). Autism - 25 years on: A lot has changed!. Clinical child psychology and psychiatry, 25(3), 721–725.
• Sonuga-Barke, E.J.S. (2023), Paradigm 'flipping' to reinvigorate translational science: Outlining a neurodevelopmental science framework from a 'neurodiversity' perspective. J Child Psychol Psychiatr, 64.
• Stiede, J. T., Spencer, S. D., Onyeka, O., Mangen, K. H., Church, M. J., Goodman, W. K., & Storch, E. A. (2024). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Annual review of clinical psychology, 20(1), 355–380.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term: Term 1

Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment: 100% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 103
• Module leader: Ms Antigoni Gkaravella