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The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. Tier 2 provides 6 guided learning hours for practitioners working with autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is named after Oliver McGowan, a young man whose tragic death highlighted the need for mandatory training for health and social care staff in understanding learning disability and autism. The training was co-developed with autistic people, people with learning disabilities, and family carers to ensure it reflects real lived experience.
Tier 2 training is designed for practitioners who have direct or frequent contact with individuals with a learning disability, autism, or both. It provides the knowledge and understanding needed to deliver safe, compassionate, and person-centred care that meets the needs of this group.
Understanding learning disability and autism to deliver person-centred care.
What learning disability means, the different types and levels, causes, and the impact on individuals and their families. Dispelling myths and misconceptions.
What autism is and is not, the autistic spectrum, sensory differences, communication styles, and how autism affects individuals differently. Neurodiversity and the social model of disability.
Adapting communication for individuals with learning disabilities and autism, using clear language, visual supports, and alternative communication methods.
Understanding sensory processing differences, creating sensory-friendly environments, and reducing sensory overload in care settings.
The legal duty to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, identifying barriers, and implementing practical adjustments in care delivery.
Delivering care that respects individual preferences, needs, and choices. Supporting independence and autonomy for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
Recognising signs of abuse in individuals with learning disabilities and autism, understanding the Mental Capacity Act, and supporting decision making.
The course includes perspectives from autistic people and people with learning disabilities, ensuring training reflects lived experience and real-world insights.
Recognising diagnostic overshadowing, where symptoms are wrongly attributed to a learning disability or autism rather than investigated properly, plus the role of annual health checks, hospital passports, and safe medication practice under STOMP.
Mandatory training that saves lives and improves care outcomes.
Oliver McGowan was a fit and healthy 18-year-old with a mild learning disability and autism. He died in 2016 after being given antipsychotic medication despite him and his parents repeatedly warning staff that he had previously had a severe reaction to this type of drug. His death led to a national campaign for mandatory training in learning disability and autism for all health and social care staff.
Tier 2 training is required for staff who have direct or frequent contact with individuals with a learning disability, autism, or both. It provides the knowledge and understanding needed to recognise and respond to the specific needs of this group, make reasonable adjustments, and deliver care that is safe, compassionate, and effective.
The CQC expects all providers to ensure their staff have the training, skills, and knowledge to support individuals with learning disabilities and autism. The Oliver McGowan training is the nationally recognised standard for meeting this requirement.
Everything you need to know about the training.
| Tier | Tier 2 (for practitioners with direct or frequent contact with individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism) |
| Guided Learning Hours | 6 hours |
| Delivery Method | Face to face at our Cheadle Training Centre, online via Zoom, or at your premises |
| Standards | Nationally recognised Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training; meets CQC expectations |
| Co-Produced Content | Training includes input from autistic people and people with learning disabilities |
| Assessment | Knowledge check and reflective discussion throughout the session |
| Certification | Certificate issued within 24 working hours of completion |
| Price | From £70 per person (group discounts available for 5 or more learners) |
| Synergy Member Price | From £63 per person |
| Booking | Book This Course |
Choose the delivery method that works best for your team.
Attend our training centre in Cheadle, Staffordshire. All training materials provided. Includes co-produced content delivered with input from people with lived experience.
We deliver the full course at your workplace. Tailored to your service and the individuals you support. Ideal for groups of 5 or more.
Book your place on an upcoming session. Spaces are limited.
Don't see a suitable date? Contact us to arrange on-site training at your premises.
Because it's a different, separately mandated standard, the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, rather than one of the eight core CSTF subjects covered in our £49 courses. At 6 guided learning hours with content co-developed by autistic people, people with learning disabilities, and family carers, it reflects a different scope of content, hence £70, £63 for Synergy members.
Understanding learning disability and autism, communication and interaction strategies, sensory awareness in care settings, reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, person-centred care delivery, and safeguarding alongside Mental Capacity Act knowledge.
Oliver McGowan died in 2016, and his death prompted national reform requiring health and social care staff to be trained in learning disability and autism. This training, developed with input from autistic people, people with learning disabilities, and family carers, is the resulting standard.
6 guided learning hours, delivered face-to-face at the Cheadle Training Centre, online via Zoom, or onsite at your premises. Certificates are issued within 24 working hours of completion.
Ensure your team has the knowledge and understanding to deliver safe, compassionate care for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
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