Autism. Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how people communicate and interact with others.

Autism affects people in different ways. But most autistic people see, hear and experience the world differently from people without autism.

Autistic people may be given a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or Asperger syndrome.

It’s estimated about 1 in every 100 people in the UK is autistic. More boys and men are diagnosed with autism than girls and women.

More information and support about autism is available on the NHS website.

Learn about autism

Below are a series of online courses that support people to better understand autism.

Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) Awareness

Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) Awareness Course forms part of the Department of Health’s Positive and Safe Programme and is about the organisational culture needed to put the Positive and Proactive Care guidance into practice. It has been designed for staff and carers who support vulnerable people, and the purpose of the course is to raise awareness of the principles and practices embedded in PBS.

Skills for Care has also published three information videos and a document on Positive Behavioural Support (PBS):

MindEd is a free online e-learning resource for everyone with a duty of care for children and young people, whether this is through their work or outside it in a voluntary or charitable capacity. MindEd is developed and supported by a group of multi-disciplinary organisations, known as the consortium. Its members are the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health; the Royal College of Psychiatrists; the Royal College of Nursing; the Royal College of General Practitioners; the British Psychological Society; the National Children’s Bureau and YoungMinds.

Understanding Autism aims to help learners understand more about autism, including diagnosis, the autistic spectrum and life with autism. The course, hosted by FutureLearn, runs at certain times throughout the year.

Understanding Autism e-learning course

Devon Transforming Care in partnership with Devon Partnership Trust have developed this free e-learning on Understanding Autism. The course has been prepared by staff from the local specialist team for autism in collaboration with people who have autism. It aims to provide an awareness and understanding of what autism is, how it is experienced by individuals and by those who support them. The course should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.