Oliver McGowan Training
We provide the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, helping health and social care staff develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to better understand and support autistic people and people with a learning disability.
Oliver’s Story
Oliver McGowan was a young autistic man with a mild learning disability, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He was a talented athlete, a keen footballer and had ambitions for his future.
In 2016, aged just 18, Oliver was admitted to hospital following seizures. Despite Oliver and his family raising concerns about his previous reactions to antipsychotic medication, he was given the medication and later developed a serious reaction. Tragically, Oliver died on 11 November 2016.
Following his death, Oliver’s mother, Paula McGowan OBE, campaigned for better training for health and social care professionals. Oliver’s legacy led to the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, helping professionals better understand, communicate with and support autistic people and people with a learning disability.
Tier 1 is an online learning session designed to provide a basic awareness and understanding of learning disability and autism.
The training introduces learners to key topics including communication, reasonable adjustments, challenging misconceptions and understanding how individuals may experience health and social care services differently.
Tier 1 is suitable for staff who require a general awareness of learning disability and autism as part of their role.
Tier 2 is an engaging one-day, face-to-face training session for staff who require a more detailed understanding of learning disability and autism.
The session is delivered by a qualified facilitator alongside two Experts by Experience — one person with a learning disability and one autistic person. Their lived experiences and insights make the training practical, authentic and relevant to everyday practice.
The morning focuses on Learning Disability Awareness, including reasonable adjustments, common misconceptions, LeDeR findings and real-life experiences. The afternoon focuses on Understanding Autism, exploring communication, sensory differences, respectful language and how services can become more accessible and supportive.
Tier 2 goes beyond awareness, giving staff practical knowledge, meaningful insight and tools they can apply directly within their roles.