Awareness of Learning Disability and Autism
Learning disabilities and autism affect people in different ways, and every individual has their own communication style, sensory preferences and support needs. Health and social care professionals play a key role in recognising these differences and responding with person-centred, inclusive support that promotes dignity, choice and independence for the people they care for.
This CPD-accredited Awareness of Learning Disability and Autism course gives care workers, healthcare assistants, support workers, nurses and other health and social care professionals a practical understanding of learning disabilities and autism, including social and sensory considerations, diagnosis and therapies, person-centred care planning, and the legal and ethical framework underpinning inclusive care. Learners will build the awareness needed to communicate effectively, recognise individual needs, and provide safe, respectful and responsive support in line with current UK health and social care practice.
CPD Accredited
Certificate Included
Learn at Your Own Pace
2 hours
Quizzes covered in each module
Health and Care Act 2022 Aligned
Person-Centred Support
*For individual learners. Need to train multiple staff? See Organisation pricing
Why This Course Matters
Build confidence recognising and responding to individual learning disability and autism needs.
Improve communication with people who have different communication styles or sensory needs.
Support person-centred care planning based on individual goals and preferences.
Promote dignity, choice and inclusion in everyday care and support.
Understand your legal and ethical responsibilities when supporting autistic people and people with a learning disability.
Did You Know?
Adults with a learning disability die, on average, 20 years earlier than the general population, and 39% of their deaths are considered avoidable — almost double the avoidable death rate for the general population. Recognising individual needs and providing informed, person-centred support can help reduce these health inequalities.
Why Learn With Carelearner
CPD Accredited Certificate
100% Online & Self-Paced Learning
Instant Digital Certificate on Completion
Works on Desktop, Tablet & Mobile
Industry Best Practice
Earn Your CPD Certificate
Complete the course and pass the final assessment to receive a CPD-accredited certificate ready to download, print and keep on file for inspection.
What's Inside the Course?
Here are the modules you will cover in this course:
Learning Disabilities
Introduces what a learning disability is and how it can affect people in different ways, supporting a better understanding of individual needs.
Autism
Provides an overview of autism as a spectrum condition, exploring how it may affect communication, behaviour and daily life differently for each individual.
Social and Sensory Aspects
Explores social and sensory considerations relevant to supporting individuals with a learning disability or autism, including communication differences and sensory sensitivities.
Diagnosis and Therapies
Covers general approaches to diagnosis and an overview of the therapies and support strategies that may benefit individuals with a learning disability or autism.
Care Planning
Explores the importance of person-centred care planning based on individual needs, preferences and goals.
Legal and Ethical
Covers key legislation and ethical principles relevant to supporting people with a learning disability or autism, including the Equality Act 2010, the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Autism Act 2009.
Who Is This Course For?
- 1. Care Workers
2. Healthcare Assistants (HCAs)
3. Support Workers
4. Senior Carers
5. Nurses
6. Residential & Nursing Home Staff
7. Domiciliary Care Staff
8. Supported Living Staff
9. Agency Care Professionals
Meet the Expert Behind Your Course
Manu Thomas is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Former CQC Specialist Advisor and NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme Fellow. As the Founder of Pentafold Ltd and CareLearner, and a member of a NICE professional committee, he brings extensive clinical, regulatory, and healthcare innovation expertise to the development of this course.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course, you will be able to:
Receive a CPD-accredited certificate upon successful completion.
Strengthen your professional portfolio with accredited Learning Disability and Autism training.
Recognise the individual social, sensory and communication needs of people with a learning disability or autism.
Understand the role of diagnosis, therapies and person-centred care planning.
Apply legal and ethical principles when supporting autistic people and people with a learning disability.
Promote inclusive, dignified and person-centred support in everyday practice.
FAQ
What is the Awareness of Learning Disability and Autism course about?
This course provides an overview of learning disabilities and autism, covering social and sensory considerations, diagnosis and therapies, person-centred care planning, and the legal and ethical principles that underpin inclusive, respectful support in health and social care settings across the UK.
What is the difference between a learning disability and autism?
A learning disability affects how a person learns, understands information and copes independently, while autism is a lifelong developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction and sensory processing. Some people have both, and each person's needs are individual.
Is learning disability and autism training a legal requirement in the UK?
The Health and Care Act 2022 requires CQC-registered providers to ensure staff receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their role. This course builds foundational awareness; providers should confirm which staff also require the statutory Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training.
Does this course fulfil the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training requirement?
No. This course builds general awareness of learning disabilities and autism. The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is a separate, government-recommended Tier 1 or Tier 2 programme co-delivered by trainers with lived experience, required under the Health and Care Act 2022.
Who should take this learning disability and autism awareness course?
This course is suitable for care workers, healthcare assistants, support workers, nurses and other health and social care professionals who support individuals with a learning disability or autism, as well as anyone wanting a clear introduction to inclusive, person-centred practice.
What will I learn about person-centred care planning?
You will learn how to contribute to care planning that reflects an individual's needs, preferences, goals and communication style, helping to promote dignity, choice, independence and consistent, joined-up support across everyone involved in a person's care.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course provides a clear introduction to learning disabilities and autism, explaining key terms and concepts in plain language. It is suitable for learners who are new to the subject, as well as those who want to refresh their existing knowledge.
Can I complete this course on my phone?
Yes. The course is fully responsive and can be completed on desktop, tablet or mobile phone, so you can learn at your own pace, wherever and whenever it suits your schedule and working pattern.
Ideal for one learner
£24
+VAT
Full course access, CPD certificate and unlimited assessment retakes included.
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