TE7107 - Neurodiversity Affirming Practice

What will I learn on this module?

This module aims to facilitate learning and apply theory within neurodiversity-affirming practice. The module will encourage you to explore the cognitive strengths and abilities of neurodivergent individuals and identify the challenges and barriers within the context of living in a neurotypical community. In this module, we seek to acknowledge and address the unique and distinct experiences of individuals whose neurodivergent characteristics require significant levels of care and support. You will draw upon knowledge and considerations for support needs, intervention and therapy, to develop and strengthen your practice. By embracing neurodiversity and fostering inclusive environments, together we aim to create a society that values and supports the diverse experiences and strengths of all citizens.

How will I learn on this module?

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be utilised within this module that will reflect your professional development. These will include: lectures, seminars, group work, directed learning, independent learning, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Topic overviews and key concepts will be addressed in lectures, seminars and workshops where active and collaborative learning will be encouraged to draw on the range of experience of the group allowing you to contextualise new ideas within your learning experience. There are no examinations, the module is assessed through a written assignment related to the module.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include personal and email access to tutor throughout the semester. Individual written feedback on assignment.
Small group seminars and tutorials.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
KU1: Identify and critically analyse international policies and practices that support the voice of neurodivergent individuals.
KU2: To demonstrate an understanding of the critical relationship between language, communication and collaboration to implement strengths-based practice

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
IPSA1: Critically evaluate the contribution and role of theories and practice that embrace the positive identity of a neurodivergent individual.
IPSA2: Demonstrate an understanding and use of strengths- based language to support inclusive policy and practice..

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
PVA1: Enhance your communication skills via presentation and written summative assessment
PVA2: Developed research skills through preparation for your summative assignment.

How will I be assessed?

Formative
Presentation on an aspect of an area of practice that embraces person-led choice and voice. (10 minutes)
MLOs KU1 & 2; IPSA 2; PVA1

Feedback
Feedback will be given verbally by tutor and peers.

Summative
Create a report which critically analyses and evaluates current national and international policy and practice, which are from a context of your choice and are relevant and sensitive to neurodiversity-affirming practice. (4500 words)
MLOs KU1-2, IPSA1-2, PVA1 & 2

Feedback
Written feedback using criteria and grades.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module will develop your understanding of the key concepts around neurodiversity affirming practice. One of the key aspects of neurodiversity affirming practice is the strength-based language used to describe neurodivergent individuals. The core of neurodiversity affirming practice is to support and empower in a way that aligns with an individual’s self-conception and lived experience. This research-based module (Davis et al. 2024, Kroll et al. 2024) will enable you to develop identify- affirming practices for neurodivergent individuals.

Course info

Credits 30

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 12 months Full Time

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.