University of Nottingham programme for a better understanding of developmental disorders
According to University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) School of Psychology director of teaching and learning Dr Marieke de Vries, proper understanding of developmental disorders will help these individuals navigate through life easier.
HAVE you ever wanted a better understanding of humans and their behaviours? Well, that’s what developmental psychology is all about.
Put simply, developmental psychologists are experts who study how people grow, change and develop during their lifetime. Growth here doesn’t just mean physical growth but more so how you grow as a person.
As humans are complicated and varied, there are many areas of development a psychologist will study with one of the growing subjects of interest being developmental disorders.
Developmental disorders are conditions that become apparent during childhood and affect a child’s life in several areas through attentional and memory difficulties, sensory alterations and language difficulties.
You may have read about some of these developmental disorders before – including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), tic disorders, learning disorders such as dyslexia or dysgraphia, and cerebral palsy.
“Although developmental disorders develop during childhood, in most cases they continue to impact life during adulthood,” says University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) School of Psychology director of teaching and learning Dr Marieke de Vries.
“Hence, although it is important to study these disorders during childhood, it’s also crucial to acknowledge that adults with developmental disorders require appropriate support too.”
“Having insight into developmental disorders is relevant for understanding, accepting, and supporting individuals with these conditions. This, in turn, could improve their mental health, wellbeing and quality of life,” she says.
In Malaysia, there has been growing interest in the field of psychology in the last decade.
Moreover, the increase in the prevalence of developmental disorders indicates an urgent need for psychologists specialising in developmental disorders.
With this in mind, the School of Psychology at UNM has introduced the new Master’s programme in Developmental Disorders, starting in September 2022.
“Psychologists require appropriate training to be fully aware of the early signs and symptoms of each disorder,” says UNM School of Psychology assistant professor Dr Alessio Bellato.
UNM School of Psychology assistant professor Dr Alessio Bellato explains: “This one-year programme offers a unique specialised combination of clinical, developmental and experimental psychology that is not yet offered, bringing together science, clinical psychology and disorders emerging in childhood.
“It is particularly important to recognise a developmental disorder early in life since it has been demonstrated that a diagnosis helps to find support, and early interventions tend to be particularly effective,” he says.
Students will gain knowledge about what developmental disorders are, and how these disorders can be studied thoroughly. Additionally, students will gain knowledge about diagnostic tools, the best available interventions and support methods, and what has yet to be researched.
“This programme is relevant for those who have an interest or experience in clinical psychology, particularly focused on children,” says Dr de Vries.
“It’s a good start for those who want to work as clinical psychologists with children, for special education teachers, or for those who want to continue a career in academia, studying developmental disorders and psychology,” she says.
The nature of this MSc programme will also help students to develop specific soft skills including communication and presentation skills, creative thinking and problem solving, active listening and negotiation – all of which are applicable in many sectors of the job market.
Some psychologists who study developmental psychology will work with children or adolescents who have problems with development. Then, there are others who work with older adults who are dealing with their cognitive decline.
Either way, developmental psychology is a deeply rewarding field of study. If you have the passion in debunking developmental misconceptions and studying human development, UNM is now accepting applications for its September intake.
For more information, visit https://www.nottingham.edu.my/index.aspx.
