Skip to content
Understanding Autism
Level 3 Certificate
About the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism
This autism level 3 course has been created to provide an autism qualification, ideal for those who wish to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of autism. Developed to support a progression into employment in the health and social care or education sector.
Today, over 700,000 people in the UK are autistic, meaning that 2.8m people have a relative on the autism spectrum. The condition affects people of all ages and while it is incurable, the right support at the right time can make an enormous difference to people’s lives. Whether you are looking to progress your career; have an autistic family member, friend or colleague; or would just like to increase yours or your staffs’ knowledge and help raise awareness, this qualification is perfect.
Start Date:
Enrolment anytime
Course Length:
20 weeks
Learning Method:
Online materials, online assessments
Enquire Now
Please fill in the form below and a member of our team will be in contact with you to discuss your enquiry
What does the qualification cover?
The objectives of this qualification are to gain knowledge and understanding of autism including:
- 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 co-occurring 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.
Unit 1: Autism in context
In this unit, cover the historical context of autism, the diagnosis and characteristics of autism, the legislative framework applicable to autism, and how autism is represented in society.
Unit 2: Positive behavioural support for autistic individuals
This unit covers behaviour within the context of autism and how to promote an autism-friendly environment. Learn about how to promote individual positive behavioural support and the interventions that are used in behavioural support.
Unit 3: Understand support and management of transitions for autistic individuals
In this unit, learn about how transitions can affect autistic people, how to support autistic young people to make the transition into adulthood, and how to support autistic individuals into employment.
Unit 4: Therapeutic interventions and support available for autistic individuals and co-occurring conditions
This unit covers the range of therapeutic interventions available to autistic individuals. Learn about the services available to autistic individuals and their families, and co-occurring conditions and their treatments.
Unit 5: Communication and social interaction with autistic individuals
In this unit, learn about the differences in social interactions and communications associated with autism, how communication can be adapted to support positive interactions and communication with autistic individuals, and a range of strategies and aids used to support communication and social interaction for autistic individuals.
Unit 6: Safeguarding and resilience in autism
In the final unit of this course, learn how to raise concerns about potential or actual harm, abuse or exploitation, how to support the health, safety and well-being of individuals, how the legislative framework safeguards autistic children, young people and adults, and about how and when restrictive practices might be used within legal guidelines.
Quick FAQs
There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved a Level 2 qualification in a related subject.
Learners should be aged 16 or above to undertake this qualification.
It will be assessed by your Tutor or Assessor using a portfolio of evidence.
No, this is a knowledge-only qualification.
By completing the qualification, learners will develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of autism, which could support progression onto appropriate qualifications, and into relevant employment, in the health and social care sector.
Learners
Above National Average
Employers Recommend
Learner Satisfaction Rate
Registered Managers Enrolled
If the support moving forward is anything like the enrolment process then I will be very happy.
I recently completed my Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management in Adult Care with Access Skills Ltd, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. From the very beginning, their support was exceptional.
What stood out to me was the initial assessment — I originally planned to enroll for the Level 3 program, but after a thorough review of my background and qualifications, Access Skills recommended I go straight to Level 5. This recognition of my potential gave me a great sense of confidence and motivation.
Though I wasn’t thrilled about having to take the English and Mathematics proficiency tests, the encouragement and support I received made all the difference. Deborah Wyber was fantastic in helping me prepare for the Mathematics test, and thanks to her guidance, I passed on my first attempt. Sarb Relihan supported me with English lessons, and beyond that, she shared invaluable advice on work-life balance — guidance that helped me push through a challenging period in my life.
A special mention goes to Karen Everitt, whose support was truly exceptional. She closely monitored my progress, consistently checked in with me, and helped me develop strategies to balance work, family, and studies. At one point, when I was struggling to keep up, Karen arranged back-to-back catch-up sessions and set realistic deadlines, keeping me focused and on track. Without her timely intervention, I doubt I would have completed the program as efficiently as I did.
Katherine Oglesby played a pivotal role in my journey. From the very start, she recognized my potential and went above and beyond to ensure I had the resources and support I needed. Every session with Katherine was eye-opening — she always had useful links, documents, and advice to share, helping me prepare thoroughly for each stage of the program. Her guidance leading up to my End-Point Assessment was invaluable, and I’m proud to say I passed on my first attempt.
Overall, Access Skills Ltd provided me with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to achieve my qualification — a significant step toward my goal of advancing in the care sector. Their team is professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in their learners’ success. The program, though initially daunting as I was new to care, became more manageable with the support sessions, webinars, tripartite meetings, workshops, and learner support systems.
I highly recommend Access Skills Ltd to anyone looking to grow their career in health and social care. Thank you to the entire team for being such a crucial part of my professional journey!
I called to enquire about one particular course and to enroll one employee, but Asim Hussain took the time to understand my circumstances and provided me with helpful information that allowed me to enroll multiple employees. He followed up and was patient throughout the entire process.
