This course reviews scientific knowledge and approaches to learning about and intervening with major psychological disorders in childhood, including adolescence. Examples of disorders that are covered include attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorders, depression, autism, intellectual disability, and substance use.

Course Learning Goals: In this course, you will learn:
1.    What distinguishes the major categories of psychological disorders in childhood.
2.    What is the impact of psychological disorders on children’s functioning and development as well as on their families.
3.    What are the major causes of psychological disorders in childhood.
4.    What are scientifically supported methods of intervention with psychological disorders in childhood.
5.    How psychologists conduct research to enhance understanding about psychological disorders in childhood.

Course Learning Outcomes: At the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the following:
1.    Knowledge of what distinguishes the major categories of psychological disorders in childhood (Measured by Exams and Case Study responses).
2.    Knowledge of what is the impact of psychological disorders on children’s functioning and development as well as on their families (Measured by Exams and Case Study responses).
3.    Knowledge of what are the major causes of psychological disorders in childhood (Measured by Exams).
4.    Knowledge of what are scientifically supported methods of intervention with psychological disorders in childhood (Measured by Exams and Case Study responses).
5.    Knowledge about how psychologists conduct research to enhance understanding about psychological disorders in childhood (Measures by Exams).

Required Texts:
•    Mash, E.J., & Wolfe, D.A. Abnormal Child Psychology. Belmont CA: Thomson/Wadsworth.
•    Kearney, C.A. Casebook in Child Behavior Disorders. Belmont CA: Thomson/Wadsworth