We have launched a new website and applicants will need to reset their password before accessing their account.  Reset your password.

Skip to content
0
Understanding Autism

Understanding Autism

Level 2
Online

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate
Shortlist and Apply

This FREE on-line Understanding Autism Level 2 qualification will give an understanding of autism and the principles of supporting autistic individuals. Study the person-centred approach and the influence that positive communication methods can have and will gain an understanding of how autistic individuals can be supported to live healthy and fulfilled lives. On successful completion you will receive an E-certificate.

Unit 1: Introduction to autism

This unit will provide a comprehensive introduction to autism, covering what is meant by ‘autism’, theories, exploring how autism develops and methods of working with those affected. Discover common misconceptions surrounding autism and conditions that develop alongside autism.

Unit 2: Using a person-centred approach to support autistic individuals

This unit covers the method of utilising a person-centred approach in order to support autistic individuals, incorporating the unique preferences and needs of the individual. Examine the legislation and guidance on autism, as well as the support networks available to individuals diagnosed with the condition and their families.

Unit 3: Communication and social interaction in autistic individuals

This unit covers the delays and difficulties in speech, language, and social development often faced by autistic individuals. Also covered are methods and strategies that could be used when communicating with an autistic individual.

Unit 4: Sensory processing, perception and cognition in autistic individuals

Gain an in-depth understanding of sensory processing, perception and cognition in autistic individuals - including hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. Also, consider how to support the many unique sensory needs of autistic individuals.

Unit 5: Supporting positive behaviour in autistic individuals

This unit will provide an understanding of an individual's behaviour in the context of autism and look at how to support positive behaviour and help individuals to develop coping strategies.

Unit 6: Supporting autistic individuals to live healthy and fulfilled lives

This unit covers how to provide effective support through transitions and life events, how to maintain the personal safety of others and how to access the wealth of services, facilities and employment opportunities open to those living with autism. Gain an understanding of what it is like for an autistic individual to live, including their experiences and their challenges.

Approximate Course Duration – 8 -12 weeks (based on an average of 10-15 hours of self study per week)

This qualification can be completed on either a desk top or mobile phone.  There are no specific software requirements needed apart from a stable internet connection.

  • This course is aimed at those 19 years (as at 31st of the academic year you are applying for) and over.

    When applying for one of our free courses you will be asked to supply a copy of your ID, which can be either a passport, driving licence, birth certificate or national identity card. If you were born outside the EU, you must have proof of residency status and you will need to provide a copy for our records. If you have declared you are in receipt of benefits or low wage you will also need to provide us with evidence of this.

    Please note whilst there is no limit to the number of free courses you can complete, you can only study one free course at a time.

    In some instances fully funded applications are subject to postcode eligibility or prior attainment.

Shortlist and Apply

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply
Understanding Autism

What You Will Pay

British and European Union students

Age: 16-18

You will pay

£0

for your course

Your course could be free of charge as you may be eligible for financial support to help pay your tuition fees, travel, exams, materials or childcare.

When you enrol you’ll need to pay any course fees for the first year, which you can do by direct debit, cash, debit card or credit card.

Please contact us for more information.

0345 155 2020

British and European Union students

Age: 19+

Costs start at

£0

for your course

Your course could be free of charge as you may be eligible for financial support to help pay your tuition fees, travel, exams, materials or childcare.

When you enrol you’ll need to pay any course fees for the first year, which you can do by direct debit, cash, debit card or credit card.

Please contact us for more information.

0345 155 2020

If you would like to apply for this course, please add it to your shortlist. You may then add further courses to your shortlist or continue to complete your application.

Shortlist and Apply

Overseas students

Please contact us to discuss your fees for this course

0345 155 2020

Careers in the health, social care and early years industries are challenging but immensely rewarding, enabling you to make life-changing differences for the people and children you work with.

Health and Social Care

We offer support of teaching staff with industry experience, coupled with a fantastic set of facilities, including a full-sized training ward, and excellent placement and volunteering opportunities to build your skills and expertise.

Early Years

These courses focus on a range of key areas such as education, the care of young children, and physical health and emotional development. We are proud of our employer partnership with Tinies Nurseries, and our excellent progression opportunities too.

View Courses
Play Video

Student Stories

Rhianna Lewis-Watkins

I want to go into the medical field and this is one of the pathways I can take to get into it. I’d like to be a midwife; I find it fascinating. We’ve learnt a bit about midwifery, and knowing that you’re gonna bring a new life into the world is really exciting. We've learned about healthy living and different legislations, babies growth and development – lots of things!

Rhianna Lewis-Watkins

Level 2 - Health and Social Care - Gloucester Campus

Clive Junior Morgan

I studied Health and Social Care at school and I already work in a healthcare setting in Tuffley after school. enjoy the practical sessions where we’re hands-on doing stuff. We can do voluntary work every Friday and I do activities with adults with learning disabilities. I like the freedom of college.

Clive Junior Morgan

Level 2 - Health and Social Care - Gloucester Campus

Abbi-Savannah Braddick

I preferred GC over university as it had more flexible learning around my employment, my lessons were in the evenings meaning I could work in a nursery during the day. My dream career is to run my own nursery, and this course helped me learn important management skills to get myself where I need to be.

Abbi-Savannah Braddick

Foundation Degree - Early Years

Our Facilities

Explore the Hospital Ward Hospital Ward

Hospital Ward

You’ll find equipment such as mannequins, task trainers, defibrillators, hospital beds, monitors, and specialized stations for hands-on training, allowing students to practice their skills in a controlled environment.

Explore the Hospital Ward

Proud to be Working With

Believe in children Barnardo's
The old Station nursery
Orchard Trust
Brandon
Cheltenham Dental SPA
Class People
Evesham Dental
Expeditions
Flexicare
Intoplay
Live Well at Home
Milestone School
my Face
Parkside Dental
Tewkesbury Dental
Tinies

View Courses

Next Steps

Find out more

Check the progress of your application and find out everything you need to know about the application and enrolment process at GC.

Open Events & Campus Tours

Join us for our next event and check us out for yourself. We hold Open Evenings several times a year where you can explore our campuses, meet the teaching teams and explore life at GC.

Application FAQs

Check out some of our most frequently asked admissions questions or get in touch with the team.