New training module empowers frontline NHS staff to better support autistic people

An innovative new module designed to improve and support the healthcare needs of autistic people has been launched through a unique collaboration between Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Strathclyde.

Entitled Understanding and Supporting the Healthcare Needs of Autistic People Across the Lifespan, the course is the first-of-its-kind university partnership in the UK to deliver a stand-alone module aligned with both the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence (LDAN) Bill and wider UK guidelines on autism in healthcare.

The online module, delivered in flexible blocks over 11 weeks, is available to all frontline staff working across a range health and social care settings and roles. Participants can study the module at SCQF levels 8, 9, or 10, with the option to earn academic credits or complete it for CPD purposes.

Maria Renwick, Senior Lecturer and Strategic Lead for CPD, Innovation and Business Development at Glasgow Caledonian’s School of Health and Life Sciences, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the very first university collaboration in the UK to deliver such an important module aimed at supporting autistic people.

“This inclusive approach to learning reflects our ongoing commitment to widening access and empowering the health and social care workforce to deliver informed, person-centred care to autistic people throughout their lives.”

The course launch comes at a time of increasing recognition of the need for specialist autism training within the sector. By equipping staff with up-to-date knowledge, skills and confidence, the module addresses a critical workforce development gap and supports the NHS ethos of Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) for every person, across every service.

This initiative also aligns with the University of Strathclyde’s recent launch of the Centre for Autism Research and Education at Strathclyde (CARES), further highlighting the joint commitment of both institutions to improve education, research and practice in the field of autism. More on CARES can be found here: Centre for Autism Research and Education at Strathclyde.

Elaine Rankin, Module leader and nursing lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian, said: “This module supports our vision to ensure autistic people have the right people, with the right knowledge and skills, supporting them at the right time. We’re proud to offer education that reflects national priorities while being flexible and accessible to our workforce.”

The collaboration was developed as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), reinforcing Glasgow Caledonian’s reputation for applied health education and social justice.

Pictured (left to right) – UofS MSc/Med Autism Associate Tutor Alison Adams-Young, Glasgow Caledonian Nursing lecturer Corrinne Taylor,  UofS MSc/Med Autism Teaching Fellow and Course Leader Gillian McConnell, Glasgow Caledonian Module leader and nursing lecturer Elaine Rankin and UofS Teaching Fellow in Autism Leanne McNeill.

Apply for the course.