Autism Spectrum Disorders: Social Communication and Behaviour

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
SPTH 1016
Course ID icon
Course ID
208165
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of AH & HP
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Nathan Giaccio
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Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

Develop clinical reasoning skills to understand theoretical foundations of Autism and apply evidence-based assessment and intervention approaches for individuals with autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan.
Prevalence and etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); introduction to core characteristics: pervasive and sustained difficulties with reciprocal social communication, social interaction and behaviours; presence of language disorder and its characteristics; assessment of ASD and core principles for best practice assessment using interprofessional collaborative practice models; risk factors and developmental red flags; evidence-based treatment models for ASD; reference to the ICF and functional impact to inform practice in ASD; the role of the family and primary carers; cultural considerations to ASD assessment, diagnosis and management.

Course learning outcomes

  • Analyse approaches to understanding autism, including theoretical and clinical perspectives including neurodevelopmental, psychological, neurobiological and genetic explanations)
  • Implementation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to explore personal accounts of Autism and how it affects different individuals and families
  • Generate key aspects and guiding principles of diagnosis, assessment, goal setting and intervention, including life-span and cultural considerations.
  • Exemplifying Indigenous perspectives on autism, as well as barriers and strategies to improve access to diagnosis and support services
  • Attributing exploring topical issues including neurodiversity perspectives, and autism in global contexts

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 20813
Section
Section SE01
Size
Size 60
Available
Available 1
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
26 Feb - 16 Apr Thursday 9:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Centenary, C7-08
7 May - 4 Jun Thursday 9:10am - 12pm Adelaide City Campus East Centenary, C7-08

Prerequisite(s)

  • must have completed SPTH1007 Child Language and Literacy Disorders

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed HLTH3091 Autism Spectrum Disorders - Social Communication and Behaviour at the University of South Australia

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If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.