Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognized university. Also required are 90 credits in psychology with at least 7.5 credits in methods and statistics. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

Be able to present and contrast current theoretical perspectives on autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions, with a focus on theories related to psychological function/development.

Be able to describe and problematize current psychological research in the field.

Be able to present what literature says about the relation between different NPF diagnoses.

Be able to outline current perspectives on sex and gender in relation to neurodevelopmental conditions.

Show, describe and problematize different perspectives related to the concept of 'neurodiversity'.

Be able to analyse and suggest different ways that individuals with functional variations can become more involved in society and work life, as well as regarding support and interventions in school.

Show the ability to exemplify how the culture we live in affects our views of autism and related conditions.

Show the ability to identify one's own need for further knowledge in the area.

Content

This course builds on previous coursework in developmental psychology, and gives students an opportunity to delve into current issues, both in basic research and applied/societal questions in relation to autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Instruction

The course is based on student-led activities and contains no lectures. The basic model is that students read literature in a certain sub-area and seek additional material individually with the help of study questions to then discuss in small groups. These seminars, which are led by the students themselves with a teacher present as a 'sounding board', are presented through reports or oral presentations where students are asked to, among other things, describe and discuss important concepts and their relationships. The literature consists of theoretical, empirical and popular science articles.

Assessment

Active participation in group discussions, report writing and a written exam.