Pneumonia: Supporting People with a Learning Disability and Autistic people

Explains how to help people with learning disabilities or autism avoid pneumonia. Tells who is at risk, signs to look for, and ways to reduce risk (like good mouth care).

Pneumonia: Supporting People with a Learning Disability and Autistic people

Go to the Pneumonia Training

Course Information

This course helps carers prevent and respond to pneumonia in people with learning disabilities or autistic people. You will learn what pneumonia is (including a type called aspiration pneumonia) and why people with certain disabilities might be at higher risk. 

It shows you what signs to watch for when someone might be developing pneumonia (like changes in how they act or feel) and introduces simple tools to monitor health changes. You will also get practical tips on reducing pneumonia risk – for example, supporting good oral hygiene, healthy living, and ensuring regular health checks.

Available at:

Time Required: 20 minutes

This course is suited for:

  • Support staff in learning disability or autism support services
  • Shared Lives Carers or personal assistants supporting someone with learning disabilities or autism
  • Care home workers who want to understand health risks for residents with these conditions