About the Training

The Oliver McGowan (Tier 2) Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism gives health and social care staff the knowledge and skills to support people with learning disability and autism more effectively. It focuses on the rights, lived experiences and individual needs of these groups, so that staff can recognise those needs and respond with care and understanding.

The programme is named in memory of Oliver McGowan, whose death showed how serious the consequences can be when healthcare professionals do not fully understand people with learning disability and autism. It remains a powerful reminder of why this training matters.

📚 Course Content

The training will cover the following key topics:

• ✔ Understanding Autism and Neurodiversity
• ✔ Understanding Learning Disability
• ✔ Communication and Interaction
• ✔ Individual Needs and Sensory Differences
• ✔ Unconscious Bias and Personal Reflection
• ✔ Stress and Anxiety
• ✔ Learning from Lives and Deaths (LeDeR)
• ✔ Diagnostic Overshadowing
• ✔ Reasonable Adjustments
• ✔ Legislation and Good Practice
• ✔ Person-Centred Care and Support

🤝 What to Expect From the Training

At Avalon Care and Safety Training, you will participate in a comprehensive one-day, face-to-face classroom training session delivered by our experienced trainers, alongside co-trainers with lived experience who share valuable insights from their personal healthcare experience.

The training is designed to be engaging, interactive and practical, combining expert-led discussions, real-life scenarios, group activities and hands-on exercises. Participants will also have opportunities to ask questions, share experiences and develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to deliver safe, compassionate and person-centred care to people with learning disability and autism.

⭐ Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, candidates/learners/participants will be able to:

• Understand lived experiences, strengths and contributions of people with a learning disability and autism.
• Identify factors affecting the quality of care and support, including barriers to inclusive, person-centred practice.
• Reflect on personal values, beliefs and assumptions and how these influence interactions.
• Identify potential anxiety triggers and adapt communication, environments and support accordingly.
• Understand key findings from LeDeR reviews and their implications for improving care and outcomes.
• Apply reasonable adjustments to promote accessibility, inclusion and dignity.
• Identify relevant legislation, guidance and resources that support inclusive, person-centred care.

Ready to Book Your Training?

Secure your spot for the Manchester or Birmingham sessions today.