This popular course is designed for learners who wish to develop an understanding of autism or for people who currently work with autistic people and want to progress in their careers and increase their impact.

Learning outcomes

  • Learn about what is meant by autism, theories and diagnosis
  • Learn about using a person-centred approach to support individuals with autism
  • Develop your understanding of communication and social interaction in individuals with autism
  • Learn about sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism
  • Learn how to support positive behaviour in individuals with autism
  • Learn how support individuals with autism to live healthy and fulfilled lives
Apply now Can I study for free?
  • FREE online course
    100% online study
  • Course duration
    15 weeks
  • Recommended study
    10 hours per week
  • Study requirements
    No existing qualification required
  • Qualification
    Nationally recognised and accredited Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
  • Assessments
    6 to pass
  • Success rates
    94% of our learners pass
  • First-class support
    Online and by phone

Who is this course for?

This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop an understanding of autism and how to support individuals with autism for personal reason or who wish to progress into employment where an understanding of autism and knowledge of how to support people with autism is required.

Course details

Each unit contains an assessment to demonstrate your knowledge of each subject area. Once you successfully complete all units you will achieve a nationally recognised qualification and accredited Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism.

Unit 1: Introduction to autism

Your learning goals:

  • Understand what is meant by ‘autism’
  • Know theories that relate to autism
  • Know how autism is diagnosed
  • Understand the characteristics that may be present in individuals with autism
  • Understand common misconceptions surrounding autism.
  • Assessment
    Unit 1 Assessment
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Unit 2: Using a person-centred approach to support individuals with autism

Your learning goals:

  • Know how legislation and guidance underpins support for individuals with autism
  • Understand how to support individuals with autism using a person-centred approach.
  • Assessment
    Unit 2 Assessment
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Unit 3: Communication and social interaction in individuals with autism

Your learning goals:

  • Understand speech, language and communication in individuals with autism
  • Understand how social interaction may differ in individuals with autism
  • Know strategies that are used to support communication and social interaction for individuals with autism.
  • Assessment
    Unit 3 Assessment
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Unit 4: Sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism

Your learning goals:

  • Understand how individuals with autism process sensory information
  • Know how to recognise and support sensory needs
  • Understand the cognitive differences individuals with autism may have in processing information.
  • Assessment
    Unit 4 Assessment
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Unit 5: Supporting positive behaviour in individuals with autism

Your learning goals:

  • Understand behaviour within the context of autism
  • Know how to support positive behaviour
  • Understand how to support individuals to develop coping strategies.
  • Assessment
    Unit 5 Assessment
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Unit 6: Supporting individuals with autism to live healthy and fulfilled lives

Your learning goals:

  • Understand the experience of living with autism
  • Know how to support individuals to maintain their personal safety
  • Understand the purpose of positive risk-taking
  • Know how to support individuals with transitions and life events
  • Know how to support individuals to access services and facilities
  • Know how to support individuals with employment.
  • Assessment
    Unit 6 Assessment
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Can I study for free?

This course is available to anyone who meets the following criteria.

  • Living in England
  • Aged 19 or over from the 31 August 2023 (born before 01 September 2004)
  • A citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) and a resident in the EEA for the last 3 years
  • Not in receipt of any other government-funded training.

Apply now

You may also qualify if you're:

  • Employed and in receipt of a low wage
  • A non-EEA citizen with permission by UK government to live in the UK which is not for educational purposes, and lived in England for at least 3 years
  • A family member of an EU national
  • A refugee
  • Asylum Seeker.

Apply now

Take a look at our frequently asked questions for further information about course funding.

Course availability

Sorry, there are no places currently available on this course.

Please sign up and apply in order to register your interest. We will then contact you when places do become available.

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Take a look at our frequently asked questions for further information about course funding.

Comprehensive support

Your Tutor

Your Tutor

As a vision2learn student you’ll have the support of a dedicated tutor throughout your studies.

Forums

Forums

Use our online forum for support and discussion with other students.

Customer Care

Customer Care

We offer in-depth online support whenever you need it.

Phone

Phone

Our friendly team are available from 9am–8pm Monday to Thursday and 9am–5pm Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). Alternatively, you can visit our FAQs page for further information.