Understanding Autism: Level 2 Certificate
For learners who wish to develop an understanding of autism and how to support individuals with autism.
Course summary
- Qualification
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
- Level
- Level 2
- Awarding body
- NCFE (CACHE)
- Qualification number (QAN)
- 601/6330/6
- Guided learning
- 152 hours
- Total time
- 180 hours, including study and assessment
- Cost
- Free if you are eligible
Who it's for and what you'll learn
This Understanding Autism NCFE CACHE Level 2 qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop an understanding of autism and how to support individuals with autism.
This qualification aims 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 objective of this qualification is to help learners to:
- progress within employment in a variety of sectors, and in a number of job roles where an understanding of autism and knowledge of how to support people with autism is required.
This course is useful for learners who provide direct support and those working in sectors including healthcare, childcare, social care, leisure, entertainment, education and training and nursing.
Course Terminology relating to Autism
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 the terminology used for individuals with autism may vary and must be valued and respected.
This qualification 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 references and can be found on their website.
What the course covers
To be awarded the Understanding Autism level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 6 mandatory units:
Unit 1 - Introduction to autism
This unit provides learners with an introduction to autism, covering what is meant by ‘autism’, theories and diagnosis. Learners will also look at common misconceptions associated with autism and conditions that can co-occur with autism.
The learner will:
- 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
This unit covers using a person-centred approach to support individuals with autism, incorporating the preferences and needs of the individual. Learners will also look at legislation and guidance, and the support networks available to individuals and their families
The learner will:
- 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
This unit covers the potential delays and difficulties in speech, language, and social development sometimes faced by individuals with autism. It also covers methods and strategies that could be used when communicating with an individual with autism.
The learner will:
- 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 cognition in individuals with autism
In this unit, learners will gain an understanding of sensory processing, perception, and cognition in individuals with autism - including looking at hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. Learners will also consider how to support the sensory needs of individuals with autism.
The learner will:
- 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 in individuals with autism
Through this unit, learners will understand individuals’ behaviours in the context of autism. They’ll also look at how to support positive behaviour and help individuals to develop coping strategies.
The learner will:
- 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
This unit covers how to support individuals through transitions and life events, how to maintain their personal safety, and how to access services, facilities and employment opportunities. Learners will also gain an understanding of what it’s like for an individual to live with autism.
The learner will:
- 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
How these courses usually work
Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.
Where and how you study
Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.
How long it takes
- This qualification is designed to take about 180 hours in total, including study and assessment.
- Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
- Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.
Support
Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.
Assessment
There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.
Your certificate
When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.
Things to check before you start
- Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
- If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.
Can I do this course for free?
ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary). Care employers can reclaim via LDSS under this QAN.
Check whether you're eligible for a free course. The provider makes the final decision.
For care employers
This qualification is on the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) list, so adult social care employers can claim back the cost for their staff.How care employers can claim training funding.
Where can I study this?
We've found 5 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.
What could I do next?
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Sources
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autismncfe.org.uk
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