As potential leaders in the field of developmental disability, students undertaking this unit will develop a framework for considering the major concepts in the field from a variety of viewpoints. This unit forms a conceptual underpinning for the Developmental Disability course and introduces students to basic concepts such as models of disability, language and disability, classification, aetiology, and models of intervention. The unit takes a life-span approach and deals with topics from birth and diagnosis to end of life, with a focus on key transitions at different life stages. Also covered are historical developments, biopsychosocial aspects, (including family issues), and legal issues such as guardianship.

Students will examine a range of historical and contemporary theoretical views of disability, and the way that these views inform personal and societal responses to disability. Perspectives covered will include (but not be limited to) the human rights approach; the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); the social model of disability, and biopsychosocial perspectives. Students will examine important developments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2006) and the World Report on Disability (World Bank and WHO, 2011) and relevant disability legislation and policies to identify the theoretical approaches, values and power relations underpinning these initiatives.

As potential leaders in the field of developmental disability, students undertaking this unit will develop a framework for considering the major concepts in the field from a variety of viewpoints. This unit forms a conceptual underpinning for the Developmental Disability course and introduces students to basic concepts such as models of disability, language and disability, classification, aetiology, and models of intervention. The unit takes a life-span approach and deals with topics from birth and diagnosis to end of life, with a focus on key transitions at different life stages. Also covered are historical developments, biopsychosocial aspects, (including family issues), and legal issues such as guardianship.

Students will examine a range of historical and contemporary theoretical views of disability, and the way that these views inform personal and societal responses to disability. Perspectives covered will include (but not be limited to) the human rights approach; the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); the social model of disability, and biopsychosocial perspectives. Students will examine important developments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2006) and the World Report on Disability (World Bank and WHO, 2011) and relevant disability legislation and policies to identify the theoretical approaches, values and power relations underpinning these initiatives.

As potential leaders in the field of developmental disability, students undertaking this unit will develop a framework for considering the major concepts in the field from a variety of viewpoints. This unit forms a conceptual underpinning for the Developmental Disability course and introduces students to basic concepts such as models of disability, language and disability, classification, aetiology, and models of intervention. The unit takes a life-span approach and deals with topics from birth and diagnosis to end of life, with a focus on key transitions at different life stages. Also covered are historical developments, biopsychosocial aspects, (including family issues), and legal issues such as guardianship.

Students will examine a range of historical and contemporary theoretical views of disability, and the way that these views inform personal and societal responses to disability. Perspectives covered will include (but not be limited to) the human rights approach; the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); the social model of disability, and biopsychosocial perspectives. Students will examine important developments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2006) and the World Report on Disability (World Bank and WHO, 2011) and relevant disability legislation and policies to identify the theoretical approaches, values and power relations underpinning these initiatives.

This unit of study in the Master of Health Science (Developmental Disability) forms a capstone for Masters students. It is not available to Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Developmental Disability) students. The purpose of this unit of study is to provide the student with the opportunity to investigate an area relevant to theory, practice and professional interests in developmental disability. The outcome of this inquiry topic is a comprehensive paper that may involve an extended literature analysis and critical review (or another mutually agreed format) of the chosen topic. This unit must be taken toward the end of the student's course, typically as a final or near final unit of study. Students must discuss their topic with the unit coordinator, who will organise a suitable supervisor. Approval from the coordinator is required prior to enrolling in this unit.

Dissertation is an opportunity to undertake an advanced investigation in a topic or issue through the development of either a proposal for independent research on that topic or a substantial paper that demonstrates the application of scholarly literature to a practical problem. On completion of this unit, students will have gained research skills and experience of formulating a problem, of designing a study using the most appropriate methodology, and of drawing conclusions. Thus, the dissertation will provide an ideal preparation for those who choose to go on to postgraduate research. This unit forms a capstone for Master's students and must be taken toward the end of the student's course, typically as a final or near final unit of study. Students must initially develop a short proposal and discuss this with the unit coordinator, who will organise a suitable supervisor. Approval from coordinator is required prior to enrolling in this unit. It is not available to Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Developmental Disability) students.

As potential leaders in the field of developmental disability, students undertaking this unit will develop a framework for considering the major concepts in the field from a variety of viewpoints. This unit forms a conceptual underpinning for the Developmental Disability course and introduces students to basic concepts such as models of disability, language and disability, classification, aetiology, and models of intervention. The unit takes a life-span approach and deals with topics from birth and diagnosis to end of life, with a focus on key transitions at different life stages. Also covered are historical developments, biopsychosocial aspects, (including family issues), and legal issues such as guardianship.

Students will examine a range of historical and contemporary theoretical views of disability, and the way that these views inform personal and societal responses to disability. Perspectives covered will include (but not be limited to) the human rights approach; the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); the social model of disability, and biopsychosocial perspectives. Students will examine important developments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2006) and the World Report on Disability (World Bank and WHO, 2011) and relevant disability legislation and policies to identify the theoretical approaches, values and power relations underpinning these initiatives.

This unit of study in the Master of Health Science (Developmental Disability) forms a capstone for Masters students. It is not available to Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Developmental Disability) students. The purpose of this unit of study is to provide the student with the opportunity to investigate an area relevant to theory, practice and professional interests in developmental disability. The outcome of this inquiry topic is a comprehensive paper that may involve an extended literature analysis and critical review (or another mutually agreed format) of the chosen topic. This unit must be taken toward the end of the student's course, typically as a final or near final unit of study. Students must discuss their topic with the unit coordinator, who will organise a suitable supervisor. Approval from the coordinator is required prior to enrolling in this unit.

Dissertation is an opportunity to undertake an advanced investigation in a topic or issue through the development of either a proposal for independent research on that topic or a substantial paper that demonstrates the application of scholarly literature to a practical problem. On completion of this unit, students will have gained research skills and experience of formulating a problem, of designing a study using the most appropriate methodology, and of drawing conclusions. Thus, the dissertation will provide an ideal preparation for those who choose to go on to postgraduate research. This unit forms a capstone for Master's students and must be taken toward the end of the student's course, typically as a final or near final unit of study. Students must initially develop a short proposal and discuss this with the unit coordinator, who will organise a suitable supervisor. Approval from coordinator is required prior to enrolling in this unit. It is not available to Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Developmental Disability) students.

This unit introduces students to the empirical literature on communication issues for people with developmental disability. Students will be introduced to the communication issues that impact on the lives of people with developmental disability and those who support them, functional communication assessment and intervention strategies, and the importance of multimodal communication systems in facilitating community participation.

This unit focuses students' understanding of autism spectrum disorders across the life span in both historical and current contexts. The unit will cover topical issues in autism including but not limited to: 'autism spectrum or spectra': exploring issues of definition, assessment and diagnosis in autism; 'from psychotherapy to discrete trial training': changes in treatment and management of autism over time; 'from research to practice': exploring the relationship between empirical information and the management of autism across the life span; 'beyond the Triad': exploring what we now know about the underlying characteristics of autism, which inform observable autistic behaviours; 'crossing the boundaries': and issues in the provision of a multi-disciplinary collaborative approach to the assessment and management of autism.

This unit provides students with a contemporary understanding of assessment, intervention and evaluation techniques relevant to the support of people with developmental disability whose behaviour is challenging, or of concern. Challenging behaviour comprises any behaviour that is a barrier to the person participating in and contributing to their community; that undermines the person's rights, dignity and quality of life; and poses a risk to their health and safety and/or the safety of those with whom they live or work. Biological, psychological, social and community causes of challenging behaviour will be discussed. Ecological, functional and clinical approaches to assessment and support planning will be covered, as will the evaluation of quality of life outcomes. Legal and ethical issues will also be addressed.

This unit provides an overview of the main physical health conditions, health care and wellness in people with developmental disability. Topics include mortality and life span; genetics of developmental disability, including important syndromes and their relevant features; an examination of major conditions such as epilepsy, sensory impairments, endocrinological disorders, gastro-oesophageal and nutritional problems. This unit will also consider historical perspectives and emerging trends in the delivery of integrated health care to people with developmental disability, including a focus on wellness. Students will also examine theoretical models of health care within a life-stage and transitional framework.

Students will examine a range of historical and contemporary theoretical views of disability, and the way that these views inform personal and societal responses to disability. Perspectives covered will include (but not be limited to) the human rights approach; the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); the social model of disability, and biopsychosocial perspectives. Students will examine important developments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2006) and the World Report on Disability (World Bank and WHO, 2011) and relevant disability legislation and policies to identify the theoretical approaches, values and power relations underpinning these initiatives.

This unit of study in the Master of Health Science (Developmental Disability) forms a capstone for Masters students. It is not available to Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Developmental Disability) students. The purpose of this unit of study is to provide the student with the opportunity to investigate an area relevant to theory, practice and professional interests in developmental disability. The outcome of this inquiry topic is a comprehensive paper that may involve an extended literature analysis and critical review (or another mutually agreed format) of the chosen topic. This unit must be taken toward the end of the student's course, typically as a final or near final unit of study. Students must discuss their topic with the unit coordinator, who will organise a suitable supervisor. Approval from the coordinator is required prior to enrolling in this unit.

Dissertation is an opportunity to undertake an advanced investigation in a topic or issue through the development of either a proposal for independent research on that topic or a substantial paper that demonstrates the application of scholarly literature to a practical problem. On completion of this unit, students will have gained research skills and experience of formulating a problem, of designing a study using the most appropriate methodology, and of drawing conclusions. Thus, the dissertation will provide an ideal preparation for those who choose to go on to postgraduate research. This unit forms a capstone for Master's students and must be taken toward the end of the student's course, typically as a final or near final unit of study. Students must initially develop a short proposal and discuss this with the unit coordinator, who will organise a suitable supervisor. Approval from coordinator is required prior to enrolling in this unit. It is not available to Graduate Certificate of Health Science (Developmental Disability) students.