Paediatric Neurodisability Diploma

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust is offering the Paediatric Neurodisability Diploma, which is endorsed by the British Academy of Childhood Disability (BACD).

Audience: All doctors currently providing care for disabled children and young people
Duration: Two-year part-time distance learning course including online group learning sessions
Cost: £5000 / £4800 BACD members

All grid trainees in paediatric neurodisability are encouraged to take the course as it complements the grid training programme and provides a useful framework to gain the expected competencies.

Course content

The course includes twelve subject units, delivered in four clinical modules, covering the many aspects of paediatric disability. It complements the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Paediatric Neurodisability Level 3 Training Programme.

All of the core modules are relevant to practice and include material prepared by experts, recommended reading and exercises based on the text. You will also take part in four online group learning sessions, each related to one of the four modules.

You will complete an in-depth critical appraisal audit and/or service evaluation alongside the course modules with anticipation of a completed audit cycle.

Upon successful completion of the course you will be awarded a Diploma certificate from Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

Unit 1 - An introduction to Paediatric Disability and Clinical Assessment

Terminology and conceptual frameworks of disability
Cultural issues
Typical development
Clinical assessment
Screening

Unit 2 - Working with Families and Services

Communication
Needs of families
Information
Health services
Social Care Services
Financial Support
Education
Voluntary Sector
Co-ordinating Services

Unit 3 - The Epilepsies

Unit 3 – Service Networks

What is Epilepsy?
Is it epilepsy?
History taking
Physical Examination
Classification of the epilepsies
Management
Other disabling conditions with epilepsies
Status Epilepticus
Services
Caring for a child with Epilepsy: A Parents Perspective

Unit 4 - Children and Young People with Cerebral Palsies

Listen to what young people with cerebral palsies have to say
Terminology
Epidemiology of cerebral palsies
Aetiology
Management options for children and young people with cerebral palsies
Associated impairments of cerebral palsy
Inpatient care of children and young people with cerebral palsies
Support

Unit 5 - Motor Disorders

Disorders of the spine
Long term problems of spinal cord disorders
How can we prevent or help these problems
Spina Bifida – other problems
Neuromuscular Disorders – diagnosis and assessment
Neuromuscular disorders – Long term management
Other Neuromuscular disorders
Paediatric Movement Disorders
Education
Case History

Unit 6 - Intellectual Developmental Disabilities and Syndromes

Definition of Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
Psychometric assessment
Prevalence
Aetiology
Assessment
Neurodegenerative disorders
Paediatric management
Mild/moderate Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
Syndromes
Help for children and young people with IDD

Unit 7 - Specific Learning Disorders, DCD and ADHD

Specific learning difficulties
Developmental co-ordination difficulties DCD
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
Assessment
Comorbidities
Behaviour Management
Treatment with medication
Cardiac Issues
How do coexisting and comorbid conditions affect treatment choices?
Substance misuse/crime
Are girls with ADHD different to boys?
Young people and ADHD
Transition to Adult services

Unit 8 - Communication Disorders

Typical development of communication
Screening
Assessing a child when there is concern about language
Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Management of speech, language and communication needs
Special situations
Autism Spectrum
Assessment of a child with possible autism
Management

Unit 9 - Vision

Development of vision
Vision impairment
Early identification
Assessment and management
Support networks
Environmental adjustments

Unit 10 - Hearing

Typical hearing
Hearing loss
Early identification
Assessment and management
Support networks
Environmental adjustments

Unit 11 - Wider Aspects

Acquired disability
Other forms of disability
Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
Disability and pain
Technology dependent children and young people
Care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions

Unit 12 - Links Beyond the Child Development Centre

Safeguarding
Alternative parenting
Transition to adult life
Advocacy

Critical Appraisal and Quality Improvement

An audit/service evaluation which is presented at Online Learning Session Four.

Residentials

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, residential teaching sessions were held in Sheffield and formed an essential part of the Diploma.

During the pandemic these residentials have been delivered online and for students beginning their study in September 2022, residentials will continue to be delivered online for the full two years of the diploma.

Residentials complement individual learning and give you the opportunity to discuss topics with trainers and your co-trainees.

It is expected that all students join all of the group learning sessions as these are an integral part of the Diploma. You will need to have Microsoft Teams downloaded to take part.

Distance learning

Distance learning enables you to manage the majority of your learning in your own time. Course materials are distributed by email which includes working with interactive PDFs.

You will have a designated tutor who is an expert in the field. They can provide local support or remote support by email, tailored to your individual situation and requirements.

Course administration is handled by the course team based at the Ryegate Children’s Centre in Sheffield.

We are now welcoming applications for September 2023 – Closing date Friday 26 May 2023.