In this subject, you will explore the cluster of conditions formally identified under the umbrella term of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD; hereafter, autism) taking both a scientific/medical perspective and a neurodiversity/lived experience and applied perspective. You will explore changing perspectives on what underpins autism, from the first proposed accounts through to contemporary theories. You will consider the presentation of autism and the lived experience and support needs of individuals and their families, right across the lifespan; from neonatal life and very early infancy, right through childhood and adolescence, into adulthood. You will develop knowledge of the condition, including early signs, core features and the tools used for diagnosis, and a range of supports for different aspects of the condition at different life stages. You will explore attitudes and perspectives on autism locally within Victoria, across Australia, and abroad, including community perspectives , media representation, and government policy. You will develop important skills for critically evaluating the wealth of information on autism that exists in the public domain.
(Subject suspended for 2024, runs during odd years)