The Level 2 Certificate in Autism Awareness is designed to develop learners 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.
The certificate consists of three assessments papers, normally taking up to 12 weeks to complete. The learning materials contain the knowledge needed to meet the assessment requirements of the course and activities allow you to practice your skills and test your learning. Assessments are based on a combination of knowledge and skills learned on the programme. You must complete the paper based assessments, within the agreed timescales and submit these for marking by our team of qualified tutors. Your tutor will provide feedback, advice and guidance to ensure you can complete the course. Upon successful completion of both unit assessments you will be awarded the Level 2 Certificate in Autism Awareness
There are no fees for this course as the Fire Brigades Union Learning Centre has secured funding with our Learning Partners. Please ensure that when you enrol on this course you are committed to completing the programme of study within the allocated timescales. Should you not complete the course in full, you may be required to pay a fee to cover registration, administration fees and learning material costs. Funded places are subject to availability and are subject to the terms and conditions of our Further Education Partners.
Click here to see a sample of the course material
Please see a breakdown below of the units and sections within this course.
Unit 1: Introduction to autism
This unit will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to autism, covering what is meant by ‘autism’, theories exploring how autism develops and methods of working with those affected. You will also look at common misconceptions surrounding autism and conditions that develop alongside autism.
This unit contains six sections, including:
• Section 1: What is meant by ‘autism’
• Section 2: Theories that relate to autism
• Section 3: How autism is diagnosed
• Section 4: Characteristics that may be present in individuals with autism
• Section 5: Conditions that commonly co-occur with autism
• Section 6: Common misconceptions surrounding autism.
Unit 2: Using a person-centred approach to support individuals with autism
This unit covers the method of utilising a person-centred approach in order to support individuals with autism, incorporating the unique preferences and needs of the individual. You will also examine the legislation and guidance on autism, as well as the support networks available to individuals diagnosed with the condition and their families.
This unit contains two sections, including:
• Section 1: How legislation and guidance underpins support for individuals with autism
• Section 2: How to support individuals with autism using a person-centred approach.
Unit 3: Communication and social interaction in individuals with autism
This unit covers the delays and difficulties in speech, language and social development often experienced by individuals with autism. The methods and strategies that could be used when communicating with an individual with autism are also covered.
This unit contains three sections, including:
• Section 1: Speech, language and communication in individuals with autism
• Section 2: How social interaction may differ in individuals with autism
• Section 3: Strategies that are used to support communication and social interaction for individuals with autism.
Unit 4: Sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism
In this unit, you will gain an in-depth understanding of sensory processing, perception and cognition in individuals with autism, including hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. You will also consider how to support the many unique sensory needs of individuals with autism.
This unit contains three sections, including:
• Section 1: How individuals with autism process sensory information
• Section 2: How to recognise and support sensory needs
• Section 3: The cognitive differences individuals with autism may have in processing information.
Unit 5: Supporting positive behaviour in individuals with autism
This unit will provide you with an understanding of an individual’s behaviour in the context of autism. You will also look at how to support positive behaviour and help individuals to develop coping strategies.
This unit contains three sections, including:
• Section 1: Behaviour within the context of autism
• Section 2: How to support positive behaviour
• Section 3: How to support individuals to develop coping strategies.
Unit 6: Supporting individuals with autism 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. You will also gain an understanding of what it is like for an individual to live with autism, including their experiences and their challenges.
This unit contains six sections, including:
• Section 1: The experience of living with autism
• Section 2: How to support individuals to maintain their personal safety
• Section 3: The purpose of positive risk-taking
• Section 4: How to support individuals with transitions and life events
• Section 5: How to support individuals to access services and facilities
• Section 6: How to support individuals with employment.
posters/17-18-understanding-autism-flyer.pdf posters/17-18-understanding-autism-poster.pdf
