Level 2 Understanding Autism Course

This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop an understanding of autism and how to support individuals with autism. Throughout this course, learners will develop an understanding of autism and the principles of supporting individuals with autism – covering the person-centred approach and influence of positive communication methods, how to support positive behaviour, and how individuals with autism can be supported to live healthy and fulfilled lives.
Understanding Autism Course

Additional Information

This qualification is appropriate for many job roles, including those within health and social care, nursing, training, and education. This course is also great for those seeking voluntary work or family members of individuals with autism. This Level 2 Certificate is a knowledge-based course, so classroom experience isn’t necessary to complete the qualification. Assessments are integrated into the programme, so there’s no need to worry about the stress of a final exam. On completion of this course, you will receive the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism.

In order to gain accreditation and your certificate, the units in this course must be successfully completed in order. Take a look at the units you will be studying below, with an overview of what you can expect to learn in each of them. Worried about distance? Our courses are conducted 100% online with access to online learning content, webinars, and one-on-one support from our tutors. Study entirely online, fitting your coursework around your schedule and commitments.

On successful completion of this course you will receive a Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism

Accredited qualifications in the UK refer to formal educational programmes that are regulated and recognised by relevant authorities.

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Course Syllabus

On completion of this unit, you will:

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.
Know about conditions that commonly co-occur with autism.
Understand common misconceptions surrounding autism.

On completion of this unit, you will:

Know how legislation and guidance underpins support for individuals with autism.
Understand how to support individuals with autism using a person-centred approach.
On completion of this unit, you will:

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.
On completion of this unit, you will:

Understand how individuals with autism process sensory information.
Know how to recognise and support sensory needs.
Understand the cognitive difference individuals with autism may have in processing information.
On completion of this unit, you will:

Understand behaviour within the context of autism.
Know how to support positive behaviour.
Understand how to support individuals to develop coping strategies.
On completion of this unit, you will:

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.

More Information

Entry Requirements

Learners should be aged 16 and over, but otherwise, there are no specific entry requirements for this programme.
Learners must have access to a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. (Computer/laptop recommended).
Level 2 equivalent in English is advantageous but not a necessity.

Key Aims of this course

Introduction to Autism
Using a Person-Centred Approach to Support Individuals with Autism
Communication and Social Interaction in Individuals with Autism
Sensory Processing, Perception, and Cognition in Individuals with Autism
Supporting Positive Behaviour in Individuals with Autism
Supporting Individuals with Autism to Live Healthy and Fulfilled Lives

Suitable for

This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop an understanding of autism and how to support individuals with autism. It will be useful for learners who provide direct support and those working in sectors such as health and social care, education and training, and nursing. This course would also be helpful to those who support a family member or friend with autism.

NCFE is a national Awarding Organisation as well as a registered educational charity and has a strong heritage in learning, going back over 150 years. 

On completion of this course you will receive the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Safeguard and Prevent (RQF Qualification Number: 603/2818/6). These qualifications are listed on the government regulated qualification website

NCFE accredited qualifications contribute to the success of millions of learners at all levels, bringing them closer to fulfilling their personal goals. Last year alone, over 340,000 learners from over 2,000 colleges, schools and training organisations chose NCFE as the Awarding Organisation to help them move their careers forward.

NCFE is recognised as an Awarding Organisation by the qualification regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Welsh Government in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA Regulation) in Northern Ireland.

Safeguarding is vitally important in any role where you’ll be routinely working with children, young people, or vulnerable adults. Having your Safeguarding and Prevent qualification is going to ensure that you know what to do when you’re faced with someone in need. 

Safeguarding in the Workplace

Since you’ll now be able to spot the signs of neglect, abuse, and radicalisation you can apply your knowledge in any role where you’re working with the aforementioned groups, it won’t just be an attractive part of your CV for prospective employers. 

You’ll be able to employ what you’ve learned the most in an educational setting, regardless of the age range you’re going to be working with. Safeguarding and Prevent knowledge is seen as extremely important in the education sector, and will help you to get the position you want since you’ll be going into the application process able to show off your knowledge either on your CV or during your interview(s).

If you’re already working in an environment where safeguarding knowledge is important, such as a school or healthcare setting, the knowledge you gain in our Level 2 Safeguarding course will help you to do your job by making it easier for you to spot safeguarding issues and how you should deal with them. 

Having this knowledge is going to be especially useful if your colleagues are lacking in training, meaning you can stand out and help to deal with the issues you or your team weren’t qualified for beforehand. You won’t just be improving yourself but helping to improve your organisation as a whole. 

Supporting Qualifications

There are a number of supporting qualifications which might be useful when it comes to expanding on the knowledge you’ll gain throughout the course. You might look at taking a qualification in Childcare, Understanding Autism, or Equality and Diversity.

Further Progression

If you’re interested in using your safeguarding knowledge in a learning environment but don’t know where to start, you could look at taking a teaching assistant course and begin a new career in education.

If you’d like to learn more you should take a look at our helpful guide on how to become a teaching assistant. There are a wide range of roles you can take in education to make the most of your Safeguarding and Prevent knowledge from administration to teaching. If you’re looking to get started in a new career and want to see where our courses can take you then explore our career advice for school support jobs. You’ll find out what kind of job in schools that you’re qualified for and what else you’ll need to get into those positions!

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