Care Certificate Standard Number 16 – Awareness of Learning Disability and Autism Course

Understanding Learning Disabilities – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces learners to learning disabilities and the importance of effective communication when supporting people with learning disabilities. It covers different types of learning disabilities, associated characteristics, early detection, communication approaches and relevant workplace practices. The training also explores autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reasonable adjustments, dysphagia and reporting concerns. It is designed to support awareness and good practice in health and social care settings. The course takes 2 hours to complete and is worth 2 CPD points.

Please note: This is an introductory Level 1 course that provides awareness and theoretical knowledge of learning disabilities. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training that an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to learning disabilities
• Types, signs and characteristics of learning disabilities
• The distinction between learning disabilities and learning difficulties
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder and Asperger’s syndrome
• Overlap between learning disabilities and other disorders
• Causes of learning disabilities and early detection
• Core difficulties associated with learning disabilities
• Different types of communication
• Adapting communication to individual needs
• Effective and ineffective communication practices
• Reasonable adjustments
• Legislation relating to the subject
• Dysphagia and its relevance to learning disabilities
• Managing stressful situations through practical scenarios
• Recognising and reporting concerns

Who is it for?
This course is intended for people working in health and social care who want to develop or refresh their understanding of learning disabilities. It is suitable for introductory awareness, staff induction, refresher training and knowledge enhancement.

It may be particularly relevant to:
• Support workers
• Healthcare assistants
• Social workers
• Nurses specialising in learning disabilities
• Occupational therapists
• Care managers and supervisors
• Staff working in supported housing
• Advocates supporting people with learning disabilities

Practical benefits
• Develop a clearer understanding of different learning disabilities and their characteristics
• Improve awareness of communication methods and how to adapt them to individual needs
• Recognise the importance of reasonable adjustments
• Understand common concerns associated with learning disabilities, including dysphagia
• Strengthen awareness of responsibilities and role boundaries
• Recognise when concerns need to be reported or escalated
• Support more consistent, person-centred practice in health and social care environments
• Build knowledge for induction, refresher training and ongoing professional development

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key terminology and principles associated with learning disabilities
• Recognise common signs and characteristics of learning disabilities
• Identify the relevance of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD and related conditions
• Understand why learning disabilities awareness matters in everyday care practice
• Identify appropriate ways to communicate with people who have learning disabilities
• Recognise when communication methods may need to be adapted
• Understand the purpose of reasonable adjustments
• Identify concerns that may require advice, reporting or escalation
• Apply appropriate good-practice principles within the boundaries of their role

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz to assess their understanding of the course material. On successful completion, they receive a CPD-accredited digital certificate that can be downloaded or printed. The course is designed for online study and takes approximately 2 hours to complete, with 2 CPD points available.