Neurodivergent children

Understanding autism

Expert: Dr Elisa Back
Masterclass structure: 11 lessons (19:51 minutes)

About this class

In this masterclass, Dr Elisa Back explains everything you need to know about autism. Autism is a common condition. Indeed, it is estimated that about 1 in 54 children are autistic and this number continues to increase. Autism is a life-long condition. It manifests differently in each child what means that it is sometimes hard for people to understand what autism is and how to relate to children with autism. This is why this masterclass is useful not only for parents whose children have been diagnosed with autism but for everyone, really. Because we should all be more aware of what autism is so we can understand children with autism better and make them feel accepted and loved.

 

About this expert:

Dr Elisa Back is an Associate Professor in Developmental Psychology at Kingston University London and a chartered Psychologist (CPsychol). She obtained her PhD in Psychology from the University of Nottingham in 2006. In 2007, she was awarded with the Neil O’Connor prize by the British Psychological Society’s Developmental section for her research about inferring mental states from facial expressions in autistic children. Her postdoctoral research was related to Theory of Mind and she carried this out at the University of Birmingham in 2006-2008. Dr Back joined the Department of Psychology at Kingston University in 2008. Her research area is social-cognitive development in typical and atypical populations across the life-span. Dr Back’s current research focuses on how autistic children perceive and interpret the world and the impact this has on daily life using a range of methodologies including eye-tracking and virtual reality. Dr Back is the course leader for the MSc in Child Psychology and the director of the Developing Minds Lab at Kingston University.

Lessons in this class

12 Lessons (38:40min)
0. Lesson - Meet your expert 0:43
1. Lesson - The complete masterclass 18:49
2. Lesson - What is autism? 0:50
3. Lesson - Characteristics of autistic behaviour 3:10
4. Lesson - How many people have autism? 1:18
5. Lesson - Autism & Other conditions 1:05
6. Lesson - Why does it happen? Theory of mind 3:25
7. Lesson - Why does it happen? Executive function 0:41
8. Lesson - Why does it happen? Weak central coherence theory 1:16
9. Lesson - When and how can autism be diagnosed? 2:32
10. Lesson - Can autism be treated? 3:52
11. Lesson - Take home message 0:59

This content is exclusive for our members. We invite you to join us by clicking on GET STARTED to enjoy our library of parenting masterclasses and podcast.

Related classes

Adolescence
In this masterclass, Dr Bettina Hohnen explains how the teenage brain works, allowing us to understand much better why teenagers behave the way they do and giving us very useful tips and recommendations about how best to talk with our teenagers. (...)
Adolescence Childhood
Sleep is the keystone of our wellbeing and it is fundamental for children's development. Dr Anna Joyce explains why it is fundamental for our children to sleep, and to sleep well! (...)
Childhood Infancy
Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Steiner... In this masterclass, our expert explains the ins and outs of the most popular teaching methods so you can make an informed decision. (...)
Childhood
Play has been called the 'work of children'. However, in our fast-paced and result-driven society, it seems that play is losing value. (...)

Registered in England & Wales. Company No.13460950. Registered office Salatin House, 19 Cedar Road, Sutton, SM2 5DA, United Kingdom

Important information about cookies
This web portal uses its own and third-party cookies to collect information that helps optimize your visit. Cookies are not used to collect personal information. You can allow its use or reject it, you can also change its settings whenever you want. More information is available in our Cookies policy.
These cookies help make the website usable by activating basic functions such as web browsing. page and access to secure areas of the website. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.
Statistical cookies help website owners understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and providing information anonymously.