Program Overview
Understanding Autism, Asperger's and ADHD
Online course description
This free online short course is designed to help you learn more about autism, Asperger's and ADHD, their differences and the importance of understanding the classification, assessment and diagnosis.
In this course you will consider the often fine lines between autism, Asperger’s and the subtypes of ADHD, as well as explore your own perceptions and assumptions of autism and ADHD along with commonly-held assumptions of classification and assessment.
Please note: that this course is scheduled to be updated and so some of the terms used and perspectives portrayed may now have evolved. However, the course remains a valuable source of guidance and information for those who would like to develop a better understanding autism, Asperger's and ADHD.
Who is this course for?
ADHD is one of the most common childhood conditions and it can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. ADHD is thought to affect between 3-9% of school age children and young people in the UK (NICE, 2013).
Likewise, around 700,000 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum. Together with their families they make up around 2.8 million people whose lives are touched by autism in the UK alone (National Autism Society, 2016).
The exact causes of both autism and ADHD are poorly understood, although much can be done to support people with these conditions.
The course is designed to help raise awareness and encourage communication and education about these issues in the community and amongst professionals and stakeholders within health and social care settings.
This course will:
- Help you learn to demonstrate critical competence in communication, compassion and empathy
- Help you to defend independence and promote a person-centric approach to the understanding of both autism and ADHD
- Help you learn how to compare, contrast and critique differences between assessment, diagnosis and treatment practices in the UK and internationally
Structure, certificates and assessment
Endorsed by the ADHD Foundation
This course is endorsed by the ADHD Foundation. To learn more about the ADHD Foundation, visit the ADHD Foundation website.
This massive open online course does not hold any credits and cannot be used as a top-up for your University credits.
Recognition
If you are interested in exploring what else the University of Derby Online Learning has to offer, browse our online courses.
We are proud that our online course has been recognised by the ADHD Foundation.
An accredited provider of the CPD Standards Office
We are proud to be an accredited provider of the CPD Standards Office for our online short courses and free courses, demonstrating that they conform to CPD best practice and are appropriate for inclusion in a formal CPD record.
Course units
The course is made up of 6 units, each will require approximately 3 hours of study.
- Unit 1 - ADHD and hyperkinetic disorder
- Unit 2 - Autism spectrum disorder
- Unit 3 - Classification, assessment and diagnosis
- Unit 4 - Aetiology: theories and causes
- Unit 5 - Comorbidity
- Unit 6 - Treatment
This massive open online course is comparable to level 6 on the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), however it does not hold any credits and can not be used as a top-up for your University credits.
Upon finishing the course, you will be issued an E-Certificate stating that you have completed the full course, so that you can add it to your CV or education portfolio.
Learning outcomes
- Learn to demonstrate a critical, evidence based approach to autism and ADHD
- Learn how to compare, contrast and critique the differences within and between the experience of living with autism and ADHD and related comorbid conditions
- Acquire knowledge and understanding to support people with autism and ADHD
- Receive a platform for worldwide discussions between peer learners in order to initiate communication and build connections
Benefits
A flexible course that fits in with working and family life
You will receive a valuable insight into the lives of both: those providing care, and individuals diagnosed with these challenging conditions, as well as receive an opportunity to get involved in global discussions related to many aspects of autism, Asperger’s and ADHD.
This free short online course will encourage you to challenge your own definitions and perceptions of autism and ADHD. You will get an opportunity to examine several key themes around both autism and ADHD in order to obtain skills to help people with these conditions.
The course is ideal for families of those diagnosed with autism or ADHD and those working or seeking a career in education and health and social care industries.
Course requirements
How to enrol
All of our free courses are delivered through an easy-to-use online learning platform, which you can enrol from directly.
What you will need
The course is free and widely available for anyone to take part in regardless of age, location or education status. You will need to agree to the terms and conditions before you start the course which will be available when you enrol.
However, there are some basic requirements. You will need access to the internet whether it is on your PC, tablet, mobile or other electronic devices, as well as a valid email address to register with our online learning environment in order to take part in the course.
Once registered, please be aware that all study for this course is online and so you will need to be able to engage with this via a personal device, preferably a computer or laptop, for the stated duration of the course.
The learning platform is compatible with screen reader technology to assist those with visual impairments.
Dr Simon Bignell
Course author
Simon is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Derby; a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society; and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
View full staff profile
Course policies
- Learner charter
- Terms and conditions
University of Derby Summary
Overview:
The University of Derby is a public university located in Derby, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research degrees. The university is known for its commitment to teaching excellence and its focus on applied research.
Services Offered:
The University of Derby provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and study skills workshops.Campus and Facilities:
Modern facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and sports facilities.Fees and Finance:
Information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial aid options.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Employability:
Career development services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, and employer networking events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Derby offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Clubs and Societies:
A wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests.Sport at Derby:
Opportunities to participate in a range of sports, both competitive and recreational.Union of Students:
A student-led organization that represents student interests and provides support services.Key Reasons to Study There:
Teaching Excellence:
The university has been awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), recognizing its commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.Applied Research:
The university is known for its applied research, which has a real-world impact on society and industry.Student Satisfaction:
The university consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a range of opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of helping students find employment after graduation.Academic Programs:
The University of Derby offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
BA, BSc, FdA, FdSc degrees in various disciplines.Postgraduate Programs:
MA, MSc, PhD degrees in various disciplines.Short Courses:
A range of short courses for professional development and personal enrichment.Other:
The university is committed to its civic mission and plays an active role in the local community. It has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
