Understanding Autism
Build your practical, research-based understanding of autism
Understanding Autism is an introductory online course from the University of Kent on FutureLearn that outlines core concepts about autistic people, including social communication, sensory differences and repetitive behaviours, and connects research evidence with lived experience.
Learners — including parents, carers, educators, health and social care practitioners, and autistic adults — engage with videos, readings and reflective activities to develop practical skills in recognising strengths, understanding co‑occurring conditions and supporting everyday interactions.
At a Glance
Understanding Autism is an online introductory course run by the University of Kent on FutureLearn and taught by academics and practitioners with experience in autism research and practice.
The syllabus covers foundational concepts, social communication, sensory differences and repetitive behaviours, co-occurring conditions, and lived experience through a mix of readings, videos and guided activities.
| Level | Beginner |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Duration | 4+ weeks |
| Languages | English |
| Certificate | CPD-accredited certificate available |
| Access | Limited free access to course materials; upgrade required for extended access and certificate |
| Course includes |
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| Price | Free access with optional paid upgrade for certificate and extended access |
What This Course Teaches
This course frames outcomes as observable competencies you can demonstrate, such as explaining core concepts of autism and identifying sensory and communication differences. By the end of the course you should be able to name, explain, and apply key concepts from autism research and reflect on lived experience in professional or personal contexts.
How the Course Is Structured
The course is organised into four weekly blocks that together contain twelve distinct taught activities/modules, presented as short, focused steps on FutureLearn.
Learners typically complete the full sequence in about four weeks while engaging with videos, readings, activities and peer discussion.
Curriculum overview
01What do we understand about autistic people?▾
Introduces the course aims and educators and begins to explore the central question: what do we understand about autistic people?
02What is social communication?▾
Defines social communication, how it develops, and how it is used in everyday interactions.
03Social communication difficulties▾
Examines outcomes when social communication does not develop as expected and considers whether it explains all differences.
04Sensory issues and repetitive behaviours▾
Covers how autistic people may process sensory information differently and the presence of repetitive behaviours or interests.
05Sensory differences▾
Focuses specifically on sensory sensitivities and how they shape everyday experience.
06Making use of strengths and minimising challenges▾
Discusses approaches to leverage strengths and reduce the impact of associated challenges.
07Where have our ideas about autism come from?▾
Reviews historical development of concepts about autism and considers genetic and environmental influences on current thinking.
08Co-existing conditions▾
Explores common co-occurring conditions and their relevance to understanding and supporting autistic people.
09One thing or many?▾
Considers whether autism represents a single diagnostic entity or a set of overlapping features and conditions.
10Case studies▾
Presents case studies for reflection and peer discussion to connect theory with lived examples.
11Advantages and disadvantages of a diagnostic category of autism▾
Examines the benefits and downsides of using a diagnostic category and the importance of language in describing autism.
12Bringing it all together▾
Final synthesis of course material and guided reflection on the central question and possible next steps.
Audience & Requirements
This course is aimed at people who want a grounded, research-informed introduction to autism, including parents, carers, educators, and health or social care practitioners. It is also suitable for autistic adults and prospective postgraduate students seeking a foundational overview rather than clinical training.
- Parents and family carers seeking practical understanding.
- Educators and school support staff wanting to adapt practice.
- Health, social care and support practitioners for CPD.
- Autistic adults or self-advocates exploring lived-experience perspectives.
- Prospective postgraduate students considering further study in autism.
- No special prerequisites or professional qualifications.
- Comfort engaging with personal narratives and reflective discussion.
- Basic English reading and listening skills to follow course materials.
Final Verdict
Understanding Autism offers a concise, research-informed introduction and is worth taking for learners who need a practical, evidence-based primer rather than specialist clinical training. Given its strong learner rating, the availability of a CPD-accredited certificate, and a free-to-start access model with an affordable upgrade for certification, it represents solid value for continuing professional development.
It’s a good fit for parents, carers, educators, and frontline practitioners seeking grounded, applicable knowledge; it also provides useful perspective for autistic adults and those considering further study. If you require clinical-level assessment skills or diagnostic qualifications, however, follow up with accredited postgraduate or professional training rather than relying on this introductory course alone.
