Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Students will become familiar with the use of appropriate paediatric neuropsychology assessment tools and will learn the skills required to obtain a comprehensive history from parents, teachers, hospital case notes and other relevant information sources. Assessment and management of the behavioural consequences of neuropsychological deficits will be discussed, together with the provision of parent education and school interventions. The importance of conveying neuropsychological findings and recommendation in a clear and interpretable manner for non-psychology professionals, such as teachers and careers, will also be an area of focus.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will:

1. Be familiar with the main stages of central nervous system development, and the impact of these stages on normal cognitive functioning;
2. Be fully aware of the impact that various neurodevelopmental disorders, various neuropsychiatric disorders or several kinds of acquired brain injury might be expected to have on the development of cognitive skills;
3. Be familiar with theories of recovery function during childhood and adolescence, and appropriate rehabilitation and management strategies;
4. Be competent in taking a comprehensive case history, in selecting and administering neuropsychological tests suitable for each developmental period, and interpreting the results of these;
5. Be able to effectively impart their neuropsychological findings and recommendations to non-professionals such as parents and teachers; and
6. Feel confident working with children, parents, teachers and professional childcare workers.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on three components, each of which will be graded.

Test administration: Each student will be required to administer the WISC-IV to a child, and submit the scored test form and a 1000-word report where results are described and interpreted.

Essay/Report: Students will compose an essay of approximately 3000 words on a topic to be provided during the semester OR write a report of the results and formulation for a clinical child case, for whom the results of a neuropsychological assessment have been provided.

Class Presentations: Each student will be required to provide a class presentation for 20 minutes. Topics will be provided.

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Renee Testa