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Certificate in Understanding Autism Level 3

Marketing Title
Level 3
Part-Time
BHSL3009 (2026/2027A)
15/09/2026
Format
18/05/2027
Format
Tuesday - 1pm till 4pm
Accrington & Rossendale College - Accrington & Rossendale College, Broad Oak Campus, Broad Oak Road, Accrington, BB5 2AS
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Course Information

Course Information
This programme is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of autism.
By completing the course, you will develop in-depth knowledge of autism which could support progression onto appropriate qualifications and into relevant employment in the health and social care sector. Autism is described by The National Autistic Society as a complex, lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person's social skills, communication, relationships, and self-regulation. Individual preference regarding terminology used for an individual on the autism spectrum may vary and must be valued and respected.
The course content, specification and associated materials are reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain fit for purpose, however, terms tend to change. The National Autistic Society provides a useful source for accurate terms and reference and can be found on their website.
The course is 3 hours per week for 30 weeks.
To be awarded the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism, learners are required to successfully complete 6 mandatory units:
• Unit 01 Autism in context
• Unit 02 Positive behavioural support for individuals with autism
• Unit 03 Understand support and management of transitions for individuals with autism
• Unit 04 Therapeutic interventions and support available for individuals with autism and co-occurring
• conditions
• Unit 05 Communication and social interaction with individuals with autism
• Unit 06 Safeguarding and resilience in autism

Completion of the qualification will help you to understand:
• 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 cooccurring 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.
Learners attend weekly sessions and engage in learning activities to support the learning outcomes. Progressing each week, learning will be structured towards completing both individual and group activities to increase knowledge and understanding which will be assessed using a range of methods. 
Further support and learning can be accessed through the Teams page, which will support the length of the course with activities, resources and further reading links. 

Further self-directed research is encouraged to expand learners’ understanding of key topics.
Learners should be able to follow instructions in English at Level 2 and above and will also benefit from a good level of IT skills to be able to carry out research, complete assignments and access resources.
Learners may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved a Level 2 Autism qualification, or qualifications in mental health or social care contexts at a similar level.
Learners will need access to a computer/laptop to complete assignments and access the programme’s MS Teams site.
• Clear deadlines will be provided for each unit to ensure the qualification is completed within the set time frame.
• Completion and progress on each unit is clearly identified on the learner’s online dashboard.
• Learners will receive regular feedback throughout the course including opportunities for further development.

You will be completing work in relation to each unit, which a range of activities and questioning to allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding. The portfolio of evidence will include assignments, activities, posters, presentations and seminars.
The Additional Learning Support Team work across college supporting students with a variety of learning needs in different ways. Support can be requested at enrolment or at any point throughout your course. For more information about ALS or for support with booking onto a course telephone 0333 0031717
Following completion of this course the following progression option(s) are available:
• Access to Higher Education Pathways
• Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
• Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools
• Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training.
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