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Neurodiversity Training

We provide a range of courses to introduce workers to specific neurodevelopmental conditions, such as Autism and ADHD. We also provide training in learning disabilities and mandatory training to enable health and care providers to meet the new training requirements under the Health and Care Act 2022. We have a full Neurodiversity Training Brochure which is free to download and have provided a summary of some of our key training options below.

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training via First Response Training

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability & Autism

Widely recognised as the gold standard in Learning Disability & Autism training, this requires learners to complete free eLearning before attending. Following the eLearning, learners complete either the Tier 1 one-hour webinar or the Tier 2 full-day, face-to-face session.

FRT Level 2 Mandatory Autism & Learning Disabilities Training

FRT Mandatory Autism & Learning Disabilities Training

Co-produced and co-delivered by autistic trainers and trainers with learning disabilities, our course offers a more flexible and affordable approach. The training includes a self-paced eLearning module (up to half a day) and a half-day instructor-led session, available either in person or via webinar.

Requirements Under the Health and Care Act 2022

Training on learning disability and autism is a legal requirement for all health and social care staff under the Health and Care Act 2022.

This training ensures professionals receive education appropriate to their role, improving their understanding of learning disabilities and autism to provide better support. Training must involve autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities in its design and delivery.

The government has set standards for the content, delivery methods, and accreditation of this training to ensure consistency across the sector. Compliance with these requirements is essential to meet regulatory standards and deliver inclusive, high-quality care.

FRT Mandatory Autism & Learning Disabilities Training

Fully mapped to the core capabilities framework, Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Code of Practice and externally accredited. Note that whilst fully interactive, the webinar solution does not meet the code of practice’s requirement for the training to be ‘face-to-face'.

The training is designed to meet statutory standards and equip health and social care staff to deliver more empathetic, person-centred support.

Why This Training Matters

Why This Training Matters

Staff at CQC-registered organisations must complete autism and learning disability training appropriate to their role (Section 181, Health and Care Act 2022). But this isn't just about compliance. It's a chance to improve outcomes, reduce bias, and truly understand the lived realities of autistic individuals and people with learning disabilities.

Co-developed and co-delivered with experts with lived experience, our course blends eLearning and interactive sessions to build insight and inspire reflection.

This course is ideal for all CQC-regulated health and social care staff working directly with autistic people and people with learning disabilities, including:

  • Doctors, nurses, paramedics
  • Support and social workers
  • Allied health professionals
  • Others in direct care roles

This course is fully aligned with:

  • Section 181 of the Health and Care Act 2022
  • Regulation 18 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations
  • The Draft Code of Practice
  • The Core Capabilities Framework for Supporting People with a Learning Disability and/or Autism
Why Choose This Course

Why Choose This Course?

Our aim for developing this course was to balance compliance with flexibility and efficiency. The eLearning module covers theoretical knowledge and can be completed at the learner's own pace, in their own time. The instructor-led session focuses on engagement and discussion.

At each stage of development, we included autistic people and people with learning disabilities. The course presents real perspectives to drive real change. (Special thanks to Am, Daryl, Dennis, Hannah, Helen, Jess, Kieran, Kristine, Kryssie, Robert, Scarlet, Toufik, Wendy and William!)

Part 1: eLearning (up to 2 hours)

Part 2: Face-to-face or webinar (half-day)

  • Legislation and regulations
  • Intelligence theories
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Communication
  • Unconscious bias
  • Relationships and the workplace
  • Reasonable adjustments
  • Sensory processing
  • Language
  • Double empathy and masking
  • Spiky profile and positive behaviour outcomes
  • Campaigns
  • Live discussion and Q&A with co-trainers with lived experience
  • Guided reflection on real-life scenarios
  • Opportunities to examine personal perspectives and unconscious bias
  • Facilitated activities to consolidate and apply learning
NHS

“This was one of the most thought-provoking training sessions I’ve ever taken part in. The lived experience element was incredibly powerful — it created a space where honest, meaningful reflection felt not only possible but essential. Hearing directly from people with lived experience brought home the realities of living with a learning disability or autism. Jon, Rob and Will truly inspired me - I'll be using their tips to improve how I offer care and support to patients and their families in my practice. As a GP, importantly, it challenged me to think differently, to communicate better, and to approach care with a renewed focus on accessibility and understanding.”
Dr Catherine Millington-Sanders, GP in Surrey

Next Steps Mental Health

“The training was excellent — really clear and well-delivered. It made me look at things differently. Hearing directly from the co-trainers, especially William, really brought the session to life. His aspirations to be a good father reminded me that fundamentally, we all share the same hopes and goals. The resilience shown by both co-trainers was remarkable, but it also highlighted how they shouldn’t have to be so resilient just to access everyday services. The session really made me think about the small, practical adjustments we can all make to improve accessibility for everyone. Thank you to all the trainers for such an insightful, impactful session.”
Graeme Nixon - Training Quality and Performance Lead - Next Steps Mental Healthcare Ltd

Neurodiversity Training Solutions

We provide a range of specialist neurodiversity training courses, covering topics such as autism, learning disabilities, specific neurotypes and conditions that are commonly experienced alongside neurodiversity, such as Epilepsy and mental health. All courses are available as online interactive webinars or face-to-face, classroom-based training sessions.

CPD Points Available

These training courses are CPD accredited. This means that your staff members can receive nationally recognised CPD points for completing our high quality, externally verified training programmes.