PY3SND-Sensory Perception in Neurodevelopment Disorders

Module Provider: Psychology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: PY2RM Research Methods and Data Analysis
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Teresa Tavassoli

Email: t.tavassoli@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

It is crucial to react to the sensory world around us in an adaptive way. However for some individuals, e.g. children with developmental disorders such as autism, sensory stimuli such as sounds and touch, can be overwhelming. This module will first introduce students to the concept of sensory reactivity.  Further we will explore sensory reactivity difficulties such as hyper-reactivity to sounds or touch, hypo-reactivity and sensory seeking behaviours across neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, ADHD and OCD. Students will also be introduced to ways of measuring sensory reactivity and we will explore underlying mechanisms. Last, the impact of sensory reactivity symptoms on daily life and ways to improve symptoms will be explored, including clinical trials and interventions. Taken together, this module will help students understand the sensory world around them and its impact on neurodevelopmental disorders better.

Aims:

By the end of the module the student will be able to:

1. Define and differentiate sensory reactivity symptoms such as hyper-reactivity versus hypo-reactivity


2. Describe sensory reactivity symptoms common in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism


3. Explain potential underlying mechanisms


4. Be aware of the impact of sensory reactivity on daily life


5. Critically evaluate sensory reactivity interventions

Assessable learning outcomes:

Additional outcomes:

Students will participate in critical discussions and evaluations of research findings and interventions in large and small groups.

Outline content:

The module comprises 7 x 2-hour seminars

It is crucial to react to the sensory world around us in an adaptive way. However for some individuals, e.g. children with developmental disorders such as autism, sensory stimuli such as sounds and touch, can be overwhelming. This module will first introduce students to the concept of sensory reactivity.  Further we will explore sensory reactivity difficulties such as hyper-reactivity to sounds or touch, hypo-reactivity and sensory seeking behaviours across neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, ADHD and OCD. Students will also be introduced to ways of measuring sensory reactivity and we will explore underlying mechanisms. Last, the impact of sensory reactivity symptoms on daily life and ways to improve symptoms will be explored, including clinical trials and interventions. Taken together, this module will help students understand the sensory world around them and its impact on neurodevelopmental disorders better.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Seminars will include a variety of teaching and learning methods; interactive lectures, group work, discussions and debates, hands on training in sensory assessments and problem-based learning and evaluations of research. In addition, ‘core’ reading will be set throughout to prepare students for the content of the sessions

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	14		1
Guided independent study:	85
Total hours by term	99		1
Total hours for module

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	75
Written assignment including essay	25

Summative assessment- Examinations:

The 1.5-hour Summer Exam will require students to answer 1 essay question on topics covered in the module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written report – Research proposal

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2019