Certificate in Understanding Autism
This qualification aims to develop learners’ understanding of autism and the principles of supporting autistic individuals.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop an understanding of autism and how to support autistic individuals.
It is useful for learners who provide direct support and those working in sectors such as:
• healthcare
• social care
• leisure
• education
• early years
• nursing
• voluntary organisations
Entry Requirements
There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this qualification. However, applicants need to be aged 19 or over.
What will you learn?
To be awarded the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism, learners are required to successfully complete six mandatory units:
• Unit 01: Introduction to autism
• Unit 02: Using a person-centred approach to support autistic individuals
• Unit 03: Communication and social interaction in autistic individuals
• Unit 04: Sensory processing, perception and cognition in autistic individuals
• Unit 05: Supporting positive behaviour in autistic individuals
• Unit 06: Supporting autistic individuals to live healthy and fulfilled lives
How will you learn?
You will be supported by your tutor to complete the necessary assessments.
What will you need to bring with you?
There are no special requirements.
How will you be assessed?
To achieve the Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism, learners must successfully demonstrate their achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the units as detailed in the qualification specification. Grades are not awarded.
The Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism is internally assessed by your tutor.
Where next?
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to the:
• Level 3 Diploma for the Children’s Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare (England)
• Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
• Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism
Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?
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 autistic individuals is required.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
DCG Success Stories
Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.
We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.
Find out what funding could be available to you:
Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.
Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.
Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.
Important:
The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.
Funding availability can vary depending on:
- Your personal circumstances (such as age, employment status, and prior qualifications)
- The course you choose
- Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment
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Our courses are designed to fit around your life, with flexible study options and expert support every step of the way.
Find out more about the courses available. Adult Courses
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Course Information Last Updated On: December 12, 2025 7:29 am
