Autism Online Course for Working with Children

Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children – Online Course

Course overview
This CPD-accredited online course introduces autism spectrum disorder in children and explores how to provide appropriate, person-centred support. Learners develop an understanding of autism characteristics, identification and assessment, communication, sensory needs, behaviour support and collaborative working with families and professionals. The course takes approximately one hour to complete.

Please note: This course provides introductory awareness and does not replace specialist autism training, practical experience or role-specific training required by an employer. Learners should work within their professional responsibilities and seek specialist advice when needed.

What the course covers
• Understanding autism and how it may present in children
• Principles of person-centred care and support
• Identification, assessment and appropriate referrals
• Functional analysis and behaviour that challenges
• Communication, sensory needs and supportive environments
• Supporting autistic children in everyday settings
• Care pathways and transitions to adult services
• Multidisciplinary working and coordination of care
• Working with families and carers
• Interventions, monitoring and approaches to avoid

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, early years practitioners, childminders, healthcare professionals, therapists, social workers, support workers, residential childcare staff, family support workers, parents and carers who support autistic children.

Practical benefits
• Improve understanding of autism in childhood
• Recognise individual strengths, needs and differences
• Support clearer communication and person-centred practice
• Respond more appropriately to behaviour and sensory needs
• Contribute to inclusive environments and coordinated support
• Understand when to seek further advice or specialist input

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key concepts and characteristics of autism in children
• Describe principles of appropriate, person-centred support
• Recognise the importance of assessment and referral
• Identify approaches to communication and behaviour support
• Understand the roles of families and multidisciplinary teams
• Recognise the importance of suitable interventions and monitoring
• Apply good-practice principles within their role and responsibilities

Is this training a legal requirement?
Autism training is not universally mandatory for every employee. However, employers should assess the training and competency needs of staff according to their roles and the people they support. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Equality Act 2010 are relevant to workplace responsibilities and non-discrimination. The Autism Act 2009 and NICE guidance also provide relevant context for autism services and support.

Assessment and certificate
The course is completed online and includes a multiple-choice assessment. Learners who successfully complete the assessment receive an instant CPD-accredited digital certificate that can be downloaded.