Oliver McGowan Awareness of Learning Disability and Autism Course

Oliver McGowan Learning Disability and Autism Course – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces learning disability and autism awareness for health and social care staff. It is named after Oliver McGowan, whose avoidable death highlighted the need for better staff training. The course aims to help staff provide safe, compassionate and informed care to autistic people and people with a learning disability. It takes one hour and is CPD accredited.

Please note: this is an introductory, Level 1 awareness course. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training an employer may require, and employers should confirm which training their own legal obligations call for.

What the course covers
– Oliver McGowan’s story and why the training exists
– What learning disabilities are, including signs, characteristics and causes
– The difference between a learning disability and a learning difficulty
– ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and Asperger’s syndrome in its historical context
– The overlap between learning disability, autism and ADHD
– Core difficulties in care, including communication barriers, diagnostic overshadowing and sensory overload
– The value of early detection
– Communication, including adapting communication and alternative methods
– Rights, reasonable adjustments and relevant legislation
– Dysphagia and swallowing difficulties
– Managing stressful situations and reporting concerns

Who is it for?
The course is written at an introductory level for health and social care professionals who support people with a learning disability or autism. It is appropriate for:
– Support workers and healthcare assistants
– Social workers and carers
– Specialist learning disability nurses
– Occupational therapists
– Care managers and supported housing staff

It can be used for induction, refresher training, awareness or to enhance existing knowledge.

Practical benefits
– Understand how learning disability and autism can affect everyday life and access to care
– Recognise how communication barriers and sensory overload can affect care
– Learn how diagnostic overshadowing can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses
– Understand reasonable adjustments and the legal duties around them
– Support person-centred care that respects dignity and independence
– Gain evidence of awareness and knowledge for inductions and refresher training
– Receive a free CPD-accredited certificate for your records

What learners will be able to do
– Explain key principles and terminology relating to learning disability and autism awareness
– Recognise why the subject matters in day-to-day practice
– Identify common risks, concerns and situations linked to the topic
– Understand individual responsibilities and role boundaries
– Apply good-practice principles in workplace situations
– Communicate effectively with relevant people when issues arise
– Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation is required

Is this training a legal requirement?
According to the supplied information, autism and learning disability training is mandatory. The Health and Care Act 2022 requires CQC-registered providers to ensure their staff are appropriately trained, and the Oliver McGowan training is described as a statutory requirement. The course also covers the Equality Act 2010, which sets the duty to make reasonable adjustments, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which provides the framework for supported decision-making and capacity assessments. Providers should confirm the specific training their own staff and setting require.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete a quiz at the end of the course. On successful completion, they receive a CPD-accredited certificate, which can be downloaded immediately or printed at home for free. A hard copy can also be requested for delivery to a home or work address. Unlimited quiz retakes are included, and the course is allocated instantly after purchase. A complimentary learner management system lets organisations view course progress, quiz results and certification, and a compliance matrix is available to support audits and inspections.