Introductory description

This module focuses on child development in unusual circumstances

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1 Parental psychiatric difficulties and interparental conflict
2 Single parent families
3 Lesbian mother and gay father families
4 Assisted reproduction families
5 adoptive families
6 Language impairment
7 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 8 Autism and pervasive developmental disorders
9 Deafness
10 Dyslexia

1 Revision
2 Revision

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Show an understanding of the interaction between genetics and the environment in determining a child’s development
• Assess the influence of interparental conflict and parental psychiatric disorder on children’s psychological development
• Understand how family structure can affect development, with particular reference to parental absence and non-genetic relationships
• Identify the aspects of parenting and child development that may differ between natural conception families and those created through assisted reproduction or adoption, and explain the reasons for these differences
• Consider the issues involved in prognosis of children with developmental disorders, and how these can be affected by intervention
• Demonstrate knowledge of the symptoms and possible causes of a range of developmental difficulties, including autism, language impairment and ADHD

Indicative reading list

Empson, J. (2015) Atypical Child Development in Context. (2nd ed.) London: Palgrave
Golombok, S. (2015) Modern Families. Cambridge: CUP
Golombok, S. (2000) Parenting: What really counts? London: Routledge
Norbury, C. F., Tomblin, B., & Bishop, D. V. M. (2008) Understanding developmental
language disorders: from Theory to Practice. Hove: Psychology

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

• Understanding of the influence of interparental conflict, parental psychiatric disorder and family structures on children’s psychological development.
• Evaluation of issues in prognosis and possible interventions in developmental disorders.
• Understanding of symptoms and possible causes of a range of developmental difficulties.
• Understanding of the interaction between genetics and the environment in a child’s development.
• Identifying the mechanisms by which family processes affect children’s development, and the implications for interventions.

Transferable skills

• effective communication skills to develop a cogent argument supported by relevant evidence and being sensitive to the needs and expectations of an audience;
• familiarity with collecting and organising stored information found in library book and journal collections, and online, critically evaluating primary and secondary sources;
• effective personal planning skills