Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism (EQUAL)

This online course is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of autism.

By completing the online course, you will develop in-depth knowledge of autism which could support progression onto appropriate qualifications and into relevant employment in the health and social care sector. Autism is described by The National Autistic Society as a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person's social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. Individual preference regarding terminology used for an individual on the autism spectrum may vary and must be valued and respected.

The course content, specification and associated materials are reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain fit for purpose, however, terms tend to change. The National Autistic Society provides a useful source for accurate terms and reference and can be found on their website.

If you’re aged 19 or over, you could access a level 3 qualification for free. This is part of the support available from the government to help you gain the skills you need to get the job you want - whatever your stage of life.

A level 3 qualification is equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels.

The qualifications could help you:

Gain skills that employers value
Improve your job prospects
Earn a higher wage

If you’re eligible, you will not have to pay for your level 3 qualification. The government will pay the course fees. For more information, and to check the full eligibility criteria see the Lifetime Skills Guarantee

To be awarded the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism, learners are required to successfully complete 6 mandatory units:
• Unit 01 Autism in context
• Unit 02 Positive behavioural support for individuals with autism
• Unit 03 Understand support and management of transitions for individuals with autism
• Unit 04 Therapeutic interventions and support available for individuals with autism and co-occurring conditions
• Unit 05 Communication and social interaction with individuals with autism
• Unit 06 Safeguarding and resilience in autism

Completion of the qualification will help you to understand:
• how to adopt a positive approach to supporting individuals with autism
• the current legislative framework relating to individuals with autism and how different theories have developed over time
• how to support and manage transitions for individuals with autism
• the range of therapeutic interventions and support available for individuals with autism and cooccurring conditions
• how to support communication and social interaction for individuals with autism
• how to develop an understanding of how individuals with autism may be vulnerable and the support worker’s role and responsibilities relating to safeguarding according to legislative requirements.

The course content is designed to take around 200 hours (20-24 weeks) to work through both learning and assessments.

Learners will be given access to a comprehensive online learning platform (EQUAL) which will provide them with detailed knowledge and information to support their successful completion of each unit.

A tutor will be assigned to the learner once enrolled, they will support you in your induction and be the point of support throughout the length of the course.

Further self-directed research is encouraged to expand learner’s understanding of key topics.

The Additional Learning Support Team work across college supporting students with a variety of learning needs in different ways.  Support can be requested at enrolment or at any point throughout your course. For more information about ALS or for support with booking onto a course telephone 0333 0031717

Clear deadlines will be provided for each unit to ensure the qualification is completed within the set time frame.

Completion and progress on each unit is clearly identified on the learner’s online dashboard.

Learners will receive regular feedback throughout the course including opportunities for further development.