Andrea is a dedicated professional with over 30 years of experience supporting autistic young people. Keen to acquire official qualifications and enhance her skills, Andrea started her journey as an adult learner at Weston College by enrolling on the Level 2 Autism Distance Learning Course.  

Following her successful completion of the course, Andrea moved on to Level 3. She found the course extremely beneficial and was thankful that the distance learning format allowed her to delve deeper into her field while balancing family and work commitments. 

"The course reaffirmed my knowledge but also taught me much more about relevant legislation and up-to-date study material," Andrea reflects. "It provided a definite connection between the work I do and the learning, allowing me to feel more confident within my practice." 

Andrea enjoyed the network of peers she found on the course and appreciated the opportunity to listen to and learn from others, and to validate her own knowledge and experience.  She says, “I would definitely recommend the Level 3 Autism course, it didn’t feel like just a training and learning experience, it encompassed the support and encouragement needed to provide Good Autism Practice.” Andrea acknowledges that the experiences she shared with others opened the door for further studies and employment opportunities. 

Andrea is now in the final year of her master’s degree in special education: autism (adults), a path she had not previously considered. She credits her tutor for giving her the confidence to pursue this path, "If it hadn’t been for my lecturer believing in me and encouraging me, I would never have felt confident enough in my abilities to pursue the master’s degree which I love.”  

Andrea offers a resounding recommendation for the autism distance learning courses, “The up-to-date study materials and learning resources were very beneficial and the lecturer is very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, and this shows through in their teaching. I will forever be grateful to the tutor for guiding me to see that I had the potential to pursue the master’s degree.”