Advanced psychological assessment and diagnosis

The focus of this unit is to develop advanced competencies in psychological assessment from an educational and developmental perspective.  You will acquire an advanced knowledge of cognitive and educational assessment; specific learning disorders, learning processes, and the educational curriculum; and the assessment of behavioural disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and communication disorders.  A particular focus will be on differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental and psychosocial disorders, and dual diagnosis, using the DSM-5 diagnostic framework.  You will develop advanced skills in the use of standardised assessment tools and apply a psychometric approach to the identification of individual differences across the lifespan. You will critically debate and review the process of psychological assessment in learning and development, as well as ethical, cultural, and professional issues. This unit fits into the framework of the course as it assists with evidence-based psychological assessment, case conceptualisation, and intervention planning in an educational and developmental context.