UWA Handbooks 2010 - Units
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UWA Handbooks 2010 - Units

Unit details


EDUC8639 Developmental Aspects of Exceptionality [PG]

Credit 6 points
Availability Semester 1
Old unit code 300.639
Outcomes Students are able to (1) understand the historical conceptualisation, aetiology, prevalence, classification, and characteristics associated with various categories of psychopathology; (2) delineate Disruptive Behaviour Orders (i.e. ADHD, ODD, and CD) and delinquency; (3) differentiate early onset life course persistent versus adolescent limited trajectories and juvenile psychopathy; (4) evaluate the educational implications arising from these various categories; (5) describe current trends in the provision of special education services to children with special needs; (6) understand the major issues in the field of special education including assessment, labelling, placement, and evaluation; (7) implement behaviour management strategies and ethical protocols pertaining to the teaching and learning of children and adolescents identified as at risk or as having a disability/disorder; (8) critically evaluate the types of services available and how the curriculum can be modified to meet the needs of students with special needs; and (9) understand the importance of ecological validity in assessment and management of disorders.
Content This is an advanced unit in Special Education. Students develop a theoretical understanding of child psychopathology and the developmental and life span perspectives of disorders and disabilities most commonly found in the child and adolescent mainstream and special education population.

The identification, features definition and assessment (including neuropsychological assessment of Executive Functions) of disorders and disabilities and the use of DSM IV are covered. The educational needs associated with children with Learning Difficulties, Communication Disorders, Physical, Intellectual, Hearing and Visual Impairments, Disruptive Behaviour Disorders (ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder), Psychopathy, Developmental Dyspraxia, Intellectual Impairment, Pervasive Developmental Disorders and Tic Disorders provide the focus of the unit. Aspects of developmental psychopathology and family and social systems are also presented. Leading paediatricians and persons with disorders may be involved to provide an understanding of their role and the role of medication (in the case of the former) and their coping strategies (in the case of the latter) in the management of disorders and disabilities.

The techniques and strategies used by behavioural and cognitive behavioural analysts (e.g. praise, feedback, principles of reinforcement, time out from positive reinforcement, punishment, behavioural contracts, token economies, visualisation, desensitisation, self-management and social skills training programs, etc.) in a variety of contexts are discussed. The unit also introduces debates surrounding inclusive education. The use of clinical interview and developmental history assessment techniques are examined and substantiated with practical assignments.

The contribution of critical antecedents in early childhood and adolescence in the development of severe disorders are examined in detail, as well as the alternative methods of assessment and treatment. These strategies are examined in the context of classroom management and effective teaching/effective learning. Visits may include special schools and secure units.
Assessment Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.
Unit Co-ordinator(s) Winthrop Professor Stephen Houghton
Location UWA (Crawley)
Mode on-campus
Unit Rules
Contact hours—lectures/seminars: 2 hrs per week for 13 weeks


  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
  • Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.
  • Books and other materials wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.
The University of Western Australia
University information CRICOS Code: 00126G
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Monday, 17 August, 2009 at 2:14 PM
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