What this course is, and why it matters

What you'll learn

- What this course is — and what it is not

- Why this awareness matters so much

- The story behind better training

- The one idea at the heart of it all

What this course is — and is not

Let's be clear from the start. This course builds your awareness of learning disability and autism. It is not the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, which is the official, legally-required training that CQC-registered employers must provide to their staff under the Health and Care Act 2022. This course doesn't replace that, or any training your employer must give you. Think of it as a warm, helpful grounding to build on — not a substitute for official training.

Why this awareness matters

People with a learning disability and autistic people have too often been let down by those meant to care for them — misunderstood, not listened to, or not given the small adjustments that would have made all the difference. Some have come to serious harm. Building real awareness isn't a box to tick; it genuinely changes lives, and it helps you give care that is safe, kind, and fair.

The story behind better training

The push for better, mandatory training was driven by the death of a young autistic man, Oliver McGowan, whose autism and needs were not understood by the people treating him. His mother campaigned for change, and the result was national training named after him. You don't need to know every detail — but it helps to understand that this awareness exists because real people were harmed when it was missing.

The idea at the heart of it all

If you take one thing from this course, make it this: see the person first. A learning disability or autism is only one part of who someone is. Every person is an individual, with their own personality, strengths, likes, and needs. Good care never assumes — it gets to know the person, listens to them and those close to them, and adjusts to fit them.

Key points to remember

- This is an awareness course — not the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training, and not a replacement for it.

- Building real awareness keeps care safe, kind, and fair — and can prevent serious harm.

- The push for better training came from real people being let down when understanding was missing.

- The heart of it all: see the person first, never assume, and listen.

Where this comes from

- NHS England — The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism (england.nhs.uk).

- Health and Care Act 2022 (legislation.gov.uk).