There are roles in learning disability and autism across health and social care to suit a range of skills and interests. There are many opportunities to train, progress, and excel in your field. Find out about careers in learning disability nursing, social care, social work, psychiatry, psychology, and other professions including therapists, dieticians, podiatrists, clinical researchers, and physiotherapists.
Learning disability nursing
Learning disability nurses focus on managing and addressing the nursing requirements of the people they work with, sometimes over several years. Learning disability nurses can work in a range of settings, from within the community to attending GP surgeries and hospitals, and they often work in collaboration with a range of other professionals to plan and deliver care.
Allied Health Professions (AHPs)
There are several other professions, including physiotherapist, dietician, and podiatrist, collectively referred to as the Allied Health Professionals. There are 14 professions, and this site explores the six that can specialise in working with people with a learning disability and autistic people. These professions are: occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, dieticians, podiatrists, clinical researchers, and art, music or drama therapists.
Social work
Social workers provide support while cultivating an in-depth understanding of the laws, care provisions, and reasonable adjustments that affect people with a learning disability and autistic people. Social workers also develop and coordinate the implementation of care plans for individuals.
Social care
Social care roles cover a range of clinical and care jobs that seek to enable people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live their lives as fully and independently as possible.
Psychiatry
Psychiatrists work with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health issues and some of the most severe conditions that affect mood or thinking.
Psychology
Psychologists work with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to understand the reasons for people’s behaviour and to identify what will benefit their overall psychological or emotional wellbeing.