Course Overview
Unfortunately, you are only eligible for a free course with UCS College Group if you live in Somerset, Dorset or Wiltshire. Your postcode will be checked after you make an application, so if you live outside of these counties, please find an alternative provider.
This qualification aims to increase your knowledge of autism, the diagnostic process and legislation.
As part of this course you will study six mandatory units:
UNIT 1 – Understanding mental health
- 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.
Unit 2 – Using a person-centred approach to support individuals with autism
- Know how legislation and guidance underpins support for individuals with autism
- Understand how to support individuals with autism using a person-centred approach.
Unit 3 – Communication and social interaction in individuals with autism
- 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.
Unit 4 – Sensory processing, perception and cognitition in individuals with autism
- Understand how individuals with autism process sensory information
- Know how to recognise and support sensory needs
- Understand the cognitive differences individuals with autism may have in processing information.
Unit 5 – Supporting positive behaviour individuals with autism
- Understand behaviour within the context of autism
- Know how to support positive behaviour
- Understand how to support individuals to develop coping strategies.
Unit 6 – Supporting individuals with autism to live healthy and fulfilled lives
- 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.
Assessment Methods
Assessments are due at the end of each unit. Your tutor will assess your work and build up your portfolio of evidence of learning. A certificate will be awarded on satisfactory submission of evidence of learning for the units studied.
Progression Options
UCS College Group provides a range of professional Online Learning qualifications which can be achieved at different stages throughout your career, and at varying levels, providing clear progression routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
