Understanding Autism (SEND Pathway) - Level 2

Summary

Are you looking to better understand autism and how to support autistic individuals in your professional role? This course is ideal for those working or volunteering in education, health, social care, or community settings who want to develop a deeper awareness of autism and how to provide inclusive, person-centred support.

This course explores the characteristics of autism spectrum conditions, how they affect communication, behaviour, and sensory processing, and how to support individuals in a way that respects their unique needs and preferences. You’ll learn about the importance of positive communication, supporting wellbeing, and promoting independence in a variety of settings.

This knowledge-only qualification is perfect for those looking to enhance their current role or take the first step toward a career supporting autistic individuals. It can be studied independently or as part of a series of qualification in our SEND Pathway and is designed to help you build the confidence and understanding needed to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those you support.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
07 Jan 2026	Bispham Campus	10 Weeks	Apply now
07 Jan 2027	Bispham Campus	10 Weeks	Apply now

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course is ideal for those looking to support learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly individuals on the autism spectrum. It provides a strong foundation for anyone working or volunteering in education, care, or community settings who wants to better understand autism and promote inclusive, person-centred support.

Completing this course can lead to specialised roles such as, Autism Support Assistant, SEND Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant.

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the SEND Pathway, which includes the following courses.

SEND PATHWAY

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Special Support Assistant Pathway, which includes the following courses.

SPECIAL SUPPORT ASSISTANT PATHWAY

Next steps at B&FC

Having completed this course, students can continue their journey within the SEND Pathway. This structured progression route is designed to build your confidence, knowledge, and employability in educational support roles, particularly for those working with learners who have additional needs.

Progression options include:

These next steps support career development in both mainstream and specialist education settings, helping you move into more senior or specialised roles that make a lasting impact on children and young people’s lives.

Employment Opportunities

These roles are typically found in schools, colleges, early years settings, residential care, and community organisations. This qualification demonstrates your understanding of autism and your commitment to inclusive, person-centred support—qualities that are highly valued by employers across the education and care sectors.

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements:

Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:

DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.

These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people.

Qualification obtained

Certificate in Understanding Autism

Fees and funding

Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.

To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with this course.

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

This qualification is designed to develop your understanding of autism and how to support autistic individuals in a range of settings. It explores the characteristics of autism spectrum conditions, the challenges individuals may face, and how to provide inclusive, person-centred support that promotes wellbeing and independence.

You will study the following six mandatory units:

Introduction to Autism
Gain a foundational understanding of what autism is, including key characteristics, diagnosis, and how autism is perceived in society.
Using a Person-Centred Approach to Support Autistic Individuals
Learn how to apply person-centred values and approaches to support autistic individuals in a respectful and empowering way.
Communication and Social Interaction in Autistic Individuals
Explore how autism can affect communication and social interaction, and how to support individuals in developing effective communication strategies.
Sensory Processing, Perception and Cognition in Autistic Individuals
Understand how autistic individuals may experience the world differently through their senses, and how to create supportive environments.
Supporting Positive Behaviour in Autistic Individuals
Learn about the factors that influence behaviour and how to use positive behaviour support strategies tailored to individual needs.
Supporting Autistic Individuals to Live Healthy and Fulfilled Lives
Discover how to promote wellbeing, independence, and inclusion in everyday life, education, and community settings.

Each unit is designed to build your confidence and competence in supporting autistic individuals, whether you are working in education, care, or community services.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There is no mandatory work placement required for this course, making it accessible to learners who may not currently be working or volunteering in an educational setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in a school or similar environment can significantly enhance your understanding of the course content and improve your employability.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through a range of guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from across the education sector, including representatives from local schools and support services. Guest lectures and live discussions offer valuable insights into real-world classroom practice, current challenges in education, and emerging trends. They also provide opportunities to ask questions, build professional connections, and explore the diverse career paths available within the education sector.

How will I learn?

Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme. 

Teaching takes place in hybrid classrooms, allowing for interactive, tutor-led sessions that support both classroom-based and remote participation when appropriate. The programme primarily focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world care scenarios. 

This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector. 

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate support.

Grading:

The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.