An innovative new module designed to improve and support the healthcare needs of autistic people has been launched through a unique collaboration between the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University.
The ‘Understanding and Supporting the Healthcare Needs of Autistic People Across the Lifespan’ 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.
Specialist training
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.
The initiative also aligns with the University of Strathclyde’s recent launch of the Centre for Autism Research and Education (CARES), highlighting the joint commitment of both institutions to improve education, research and practice in the field of autism.
Strathclyde Course leader and Teaching Fellow at the Strathclyde Institute of Education, Gillian McConnell said: "We are privileged to be involved in this first UK university collaboration to deliver this module. Our aim is to improve the experiences of autistic people and their families engaging with health and social care services across their lifespan, whilst at the same time empowering the health and social care workforce."
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).