Course Details

• The aim of this course is to detail the clinical principles relating to learning disabilities and autism awareness.
• You will be presented with a coursebook followed by an assessment with options for feedback and reflection.
• Once you have achieved a mark of 80% or more, you will be presented with a certificate to download.
• If you do not pass you will have the opportunity to review the content and retake the assessment.

This course previously met the requirements for Learning Disability and Autism training. However, following the changes introduced on 6 September 2025, this online version no longer fully meets the criteria for mandatory training as set out in the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training framework.

The updated framework now requires:

• Tier 1 training: The online eLearning package plus a one-hour live interactive webinar, co-delivered by approved trainers including experts with lived experience.

• Tier 2 training: The online eLearning package plus a one-day (or two half-day) face-to-face training session, co-delivered by approved trainers including experts with lived experience.

For further guidance, please refer to the official NHS England resources here: [FAQs - The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training | NHS England | Workforce, training and education].

Aims

The aim of this course is to detail the clinical principles relating to learning disabilities and autism awareness.

Objectives

During this course you will learn:

• The definition of learning disability. ​
• The definition of autism spectrum disorder.
• Why an awareness of learning disability and autism is important.
• Why specifically this is important in dentistry.​
• What range of conditions are covered by the term learning disability.
• What issues you may encounter in primary care when dealing with people with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.
• How to make reasonable adjustments to help a person with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.​
• Where to signpost people and carers for help and support.​
• Where to look for further help and advice.​

Learning Outcomes

After completion of this course the learner will gain an understanding of:

• What issues you may encounter when dealing with people with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.
• How to make reasonable adjustments to help a person with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.​
• Where to signpost people and carers for help and support.​
• Where to look for further help and advice.​

GDC Development Outcomes

A,C,D

Topics covered