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Unit of Study PSYC5004 - Foundations of Neurodiversity (2026)

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Unit Snapshot

  • Unit type

    PG Coursework Unit

  • Credit points

    12

  • Faculty/College

    Faculty of Health

  • Placement

    No

  • Enrolment information

    N/A

Unit description

In this unit, students will be introduced to the concept of neurodiversity, exploring its history and importance. Students will gain knowledge of autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other neurodivergent presentations. The unit covers how the brain develops and adapts, with a focus on neurodivergent individuals. Additionally, students will examine the relationship between brain function, behaviour, and learning, gaining insights into how these factors intersect uniquely in neurodivergent populations.  

Unit content

  1. Historical and contemporary understanding of neurodiversity 
  2. Neurodevelopment and brain functioning
  3. Overview of common neurodivergent presentations (ASD, FASD, ADHD etc)
  4. Learning and behaviour in the context of neurodiversity
  5. Perspectives and models of neurodiversity
  6. What is Neuroaffirmative practice?

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
Online
Term1
Term1

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

explain key concepts and terms related to neurodiversity, including neurotypical, neurodivergent, and neurodiverse

explore and challenge myths and stereotypes associated with neurodiversity and the impact on sense of identity and acceptance

examine neurodiversity through an affirmative lens by emphasising inclusive and strengths-based approaches

analyse emerging discourses on neurodiversity in varied contexts

Prescribed learning resources

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Prescribed Resources/Equipment
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Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.