Beyond the label: An autistic paramedic’s perspective on the Oliver McGowan Training

Benedict Hannah is an advanced paramedic in primary carer and autistic advocate based in Liverpool

As a paramedic working in primary care—and someone who is autistic—I view the healthcare system through a unique dual lens. I understand both the clinical frameworks through which we assess and support patients, and the lived reality of navigating a neurotypical world with a neurodivergent brain. From this vantage point, the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Autism is not only relevant; it is imperative.¹

This training is far more than a statutory requirement or policy initiative. It signifies a cultural shift within healthcare—an opportunity to move beyond superficial awareness and begin truly engaging with autistic individuals in a way that is informed, respectful, and person-centred.

Historically, autism has too often been reduced to a behavioural diagnosis—used as a shorthand explanation for presentations we do not fully understand. Phrases like “That’s just their autism” are not uncommon in clinical settings. But such reductions strip autistic individuals of context, pathologising natural neurodivergent responses to environments that are often overwhelming, unpredictable, or poorly adapted.

Autism is not a behavioural disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental difference—manifesting in distinct communication styles, sensory processing variations, and relational preferences. When we train clinicians merely to manage autistic patients rather than to understand and support them, we risk reinforcing stigma and inadvertently causing harm.

The Oliver McGowan training reintroduces humanity into this conversation. It prompts us to reflect on our assumptions, reconsider our language, and adapt our clinical approaches. Most importantly, it encourages us to shift the question from “What is the diagnosis?” to “What does this individual need to feel safe, heard, and respected?”

In the often-pressurised environment of primary care, where consultations are time-limited and reactive by nature, these small adaptations matter. A quieter waiting area, clear and literal language, offering choices where possible, or simply giving someone time to process information—these are not unreasonable accommodations. They are expressions of clinical empathy and professional respect.

For autistic professionals within the NHS, this training offers something more—it affirms that we belong. We are not only recipients of care; we are active contributors to the system. The training validates our perspectives, highlights our value, and underscores the importance of neurodiversity within the healthcare workforce.

If we are committed to delivering truly inclusive care, we must stop using diagnosis as a justification for exclusion or control. Instead, we must build a culture that supports autonomy, champions dignity, and embraces difference.

Oliver’s story is a poignant reminder of what is at stake. As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to listen to, learn from, and advocate for autistic people. That process begins with education. And that education begins with us.

Featured E-learning: The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have better training. The Health and Care Act 2022 introduced a statutory requirement that CQC-registered providers must ensure their staff receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their role. The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training is the standardised training that was developed for this purpose and is the preferred and recommended training for health and social care staff.¹

Reference

1. https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/learning-disability/current-projects/oliver-mcgowan-mandatory-training-learning-disability-autism [accessed 14/5/25]

Featured image by Angèle Kamp on Unsplash