Aims

- To give an overview of concepts in neuropsychology building on the information presented in Brain & Behaviour across the Lifespan I by focusing on mid-/late-childhood and adolescence/young adulthood.
- To understand the links between language and broader cognition
- To understand the relationship between brain and behaviour and how to study that relationship
- To understand theoretical models of neuropsychology
- To understand neuropsychological impairments (including traumatic brain injury and attention/memory impairment in young people) of particular relevance to speech and language therapy practice
- To understand the different types of memory and their impairments and what impact they have on speech/language performance and therapy
- To understand perception and its impairment and what impact it has on speech and language performance and therapy
In each case, impairments will be considered in relation to their wider impact on the client and the influence of sociological context.
- To understand the behavioural traits and needs of children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

The module addresses the following HCPC Standards of Practice:

12.5 understand the theoretical basis of, and the variety of approaches to, assessment and intervention taking account of the need to modify approaches in line with cultural, religious and linguistic needs

2.7 understand the importance of and be able to obtain valid consent, which is voluntary, informed has due regard to capacity, is propotionate to the circumstances and is appropriately documented

12.9 understand psychology as relevant to lifespan development and change, typical and impaired communication and psychological and social wellbeing

13.14 apply knowledge of communication impairment, linguistics, phonetics, psychology and biomedical sciences to the identification, assessment and differential diagnosis of a range of communication and swallowing impairments

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction to clinical neuropsychology
Introduction to brain behaviour relationships
Attention and disorders of attention (including introduction to ADHD)
Types of memory and disorders of memory
Object recognition and visual agnosia
Auditory word recognition and word deafness
Cognition and language: modularity, representation and general processing accounts
Autism: history, prevalence, cognitive profile and relationship with language abilities
Neurodiversity: Reassessing autism and ADHD from a neurodiversity perspective
Working with young people with behavioural problems

In relation to the RCSLT curriculum guidance, the module focuses on psychological and social sciences (4.4.2) providing opportunities for students to develop a sound understanding of psychology including theoretical frameworks in psychology, psychological development and change, neuropsychology and applications of psychology as well as social and cultural factors.

The module provides opportunities for students to develop key graduate capabilities around the use of the evidence base to support clinical reasoning and practice (4.2.4 A) by applying knowledge of a range of disciplines relevant to speech and language therapy practice.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures to introduce and explain theories related to neuropsychology; explain different neuropsychological impairments, their assessments and diagnosis and what impact they might have on speech and language performance and therapy. Workshop is given to support students in applying knowledge acquired in lectures with the support of the specialist lecturer.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

An exam is required to test the students' broad knowledge of neuropsychology.