Care for those with learning disabilities or autistic people – Government Press release

Care for those with learning disabilities or autistic people

New guidance published today will provide a boost in the quality of care for people with a learning disability or autistic people

Published 19 June 2025

• New guidance published today to ensure health and care staff have skills to provide care for people with a learning disability and autistic people
• Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism named after teenager who died in 2016 after having severe reaction to medication given to him against family’s wishes
• Training will aim to tackle health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability and autistic people, who face poorer health outcomes than general population

People with a learning disability and autistic people will get safer, more personalised care as the government publishes new guidelines for health and care providers to train staff.

The Oliver McGowan code of practice on statutory learning disability and autism training aims to ensure staff have the right skills to provide care and boost understanding of the needs of these groups of people.