Course summary
The New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling NSPC has been involved in research and teaching in autism and neurodiversity since its inception in 1998. The online courses provide in-depth theory, understanding of clinical issues and practice, and research skills. NSPC believes that improving awareness, and high quality assessments and services for autistic and neurodiverse individuals is paramount. Continued research into autism and increasing the understanding of what life is like for autism and neurodiverse individuals is essential worldwide. The distance learning nature of the course means that students can learn in a flexible format that fits around work and personal commitments. The course is wholly online and is accessed by students across the world. Learning incorporates theory, references to real world settings, skills and research. Students learn together in a collaborative way, sharing knowledge and experience. The courses provide professional development for those supporting autistic and neurodiverse individuals. If you are qualified in a relevant professional field, these courses will qualify you to practice as a specialist within that area. However, the programmes are also of interest to those wanting to study autism and neurodiversity solely from an academic and research perspective. Including for parent, carers or individuals with a neurodiversity who want access to the latest research, and information about services.
Modules
Year 1 Autism Spectrum Disorders: This module develops awareness of diagnosis and presentation of autism. It also provides a comprehensive account of contemporary knowledge about the causes and effective therapies, approaches and interventions in ASD, and to enable the student to be able to combine these personal and scientific perspectives. Neuropsychological and neurobiological approaches to atypical development: This module aims to provide all of the necessary biological and psychosocial knowledge for a student to be able to read and understand the scientific literature on the causes, development, ascertainment, impact, and management of the neurodevelopmental disorder. Giving students a foundational knowledge base, that also assists completion of other modules of the course. Development through the life span: Autism and neurodiversity involves issues of development and within this module students will learn to critically appraise developmental theories, demonstrating how physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development interact and how theories of development, and developmental stages, can be applied to counselling psychology. Development stage theories will be evaluated in the context of the existential reflections on the purpose of development as an unfolding project. Overview Research Methods: This module will provide an understanding of the contribution of research to the growth of knowledge and the effectiveness of practice. It will give the student a grounding in research approaches, with particular attention to the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Year 2 Communication disorders and developmental coordination disorders OR atypical speech, language and motor development: This module gives students an awareness of the presentations of specific learning disorders, (SLD), communication disorder, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and of the impact of these disorders on the affected person and on the people close to them. Students will gain a comprehensive account of contemporary knowledge about the causes and effective treatments of SLI, SLD and DCD, and to enable the student to be able to combine these personal and scientific perspectives. The overall aim is to provide the detailed knowledge of these two developmental disorders, that are often overlooked in adults. Social, Cultural, and ethical issues: This module will cover cultural variations, and the impact of social organization and culture on morals, values, and social expectation. It will enable students to make appropriate decisions about consent, confidentiality, discrimination, exploitation, fairness, duty of care, and other ethical and moral quandaries in professional practice. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder: Students will learn about the presentations of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and of the impact of this disorder on the affected person and on the people close to them. It also aims to provide a comprehensive account of contemporary knowledge about the causes and effective treatments of ADHD, and to enable the student to be able to combine these personal and scientific perspectives. Well-being and health: This module provides an understanding of the role of positive psychology and other theoretical approaches to well-being within an overall strategy of improvement of quality of living. Student will learn about the links between happiness and well-being, and about positive psychology and well-being interventions.
Assessment method
The course is delivered wholly online. Modules are undertaken using a bespoke learning platform called Moodle. The theory modules are mainly asynchronous, so can easy to fit around a busy life, or caring commitments and is accessible worldwide. Students work through weekly materials online, posting and discussing in the forum with the group and tutor. A weekly quiz ensures that you are absorbing the materials. Students will have a weekly online chat with tutors and other students, at a time and day decided between group members.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate degree in any subject (equivalent experience may be acceptable) Fluent English Personal suitability to be determined at interview Reliable internet connection
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| EU | £1140 | Module |
| International | £1140 | Module |
| England | £1140 | Module |
| Northern Ireland | £1140 | Module |
| Scotland | £1140 | Module |
| Wales | £1140 | Module |
| Channel Islands | £1140 | Module |
| Republic of Ireland | £1140 | Module |
Additional fee information
The cost of individual modules is £1,140.
Provider information
New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling
The Existential Academy
61-63 Fortune Green Road
London
NW6 1DR