Learning Disabilities & Autism: Physical and Mental Health Course

Learning Disabilities & Autism: Physical and Mental Health Course – Online Course

Course overview
This one-hour online course explores the physical and mental health needs of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. It covers person-centred care, health inequalities, assessment, care planning, multidisciplinary working and appropriate care pathways. Learners will develop awareness of co-occurring mental health conditions, loneliness, dysphagia and Positive Behavioural Support (PBS), helping them recognise concerns and contribute to safer, more personalised care.

Please note: This course provides knowledge and awareness to support professional development. It does not replace practical training, specialist clinical instruction or role-specific training required by an employer. Staff should work within their competence and follow relevant workplace procedures when responding to health concerns.

What the course covers
• Physical and mental health needs of people with learning disabilities and autistic people
• Principles of person-centred care
• Identifying and assessing health and support needs
• Organisation and delivery of care
• Care pathways and appropriate support
• Multidisciplinary teamwork
• Involving families, partners and carers
• Positive Behavioural Support (PBS)
• Co-occurring mental health conditions
• Recognising signs of loneliness
• Dysphagia and swallowing-related risks
• Identifying gaps in information and support
• Reporting concerns and recognising when further assistance is needed

Who is it for?
This course is suitable for support workers, healthcare assistants, registered nurses, nursing associates, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, mental health professionals, domiciliary care workers, residential care staff, GP practice staff and professionals working in learning disability or autism services. It is also relevant to managers, team leaders and multidisciplinary teams involved in planning or delivering care.

Practical benefits
• Improve understanding of physical and mental health needs
• Recognise possible health concerns and unmet support needs earlier
• Strengthen person-centred assessment and care planning
• Understand risks associated with dysphagia and loneliness
• Improve communication and collaboration with families and other professionals
• Develop awareness of Positive Behavioural Support
• Promote dignity, individual choice and more coordinated care
• Support safer practice and awareness of relevant professional guidance

What learners will be able to do
• Describe key physical and mental health needs relevant to people with learning disabilities and autistic people
• Recognise signs that someone may require additional support
• Understand factors that can affect wellbeing and increase health risks
• Communicate respectfully and support person-centred care
• Explain the importance of assessment, care planning and multidisciplinary working
• Recognise concerns relating to dysphagia, loneliness and co-occurring mental health conditions
• Understand when to report concerns, seek advice or escalate an issue
• Contribute to appropriate, coordinated and inclusive support within their role

Is this training a legal requirement?
The course itself is not specifically required by law for every worker in the UK. However, employers have responsibilities to ensure staff are suitably trained and competent to provide safe care. The training supports awareness of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, the Equality Act 2010 and relevant NICE guidance. It also aligns with the principles of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. Employers may require relevant training as part of induction, ongoing development or workplace training programmes.

Assessment and certificate
The course includes an online multiple-choice assessment. Successful learners receive an instant digital CPD-accredited certificate. Training can be completed online using a compatible phone, tablet or computer.