Overview
Healthcare staff are now required to undertake the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism, named for an autistic teenager who died after misdiagnosis.
Key points to understand
- Tier 1 (awareness) for all staff; Tier 2 (skill) for those working directly with patients.
- Co-delivered with autistic / learning-disabled trainers.
- Annual refresh recommended.
- Trusts should also offer condition-specific training (sensory, communication, mental capacity).
Practical strategies that help
- Healthcare professionals: complete Oliver McGowan training as soon as available.
- Patients/families: ask whether staff have completed it.
- Use hospital passports to share individual needs.
- Provide feedback so training improves.
Common challenges to be aware of
- Training alone doesn't change practice — leadership and adjustments matter.
- Some trusts are slow to implement — escalate via PALS.
How Bright Steps can help
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References & further reading
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