Autism Specialist Award
The Autism Accreditation Programme consists of three different awards: the Autism Specialist Award, the Autism Inclusion Award, and the Autism Friendly Award. It is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme of support and development for all those providing services to autistic people.
The Autism Specialist Award is tailored to specialist providers in the education, social care and prison fields. This award can also be for mainstream providers who wish to be seen as specialists in autism.
Who is it for?
- Adult services
- Special schools
- Inclusion units
- Local authorities
- Playgroups
- Prisons
- Short break services and more
The Autism Specialist Award process:
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- Your organisation undertakes a comprehensive and detailed self-audit of current practice
- Implementation of autism specialist award action plan based on the self-audit with your consultant
- Optional quality development visits can be held with your consultant to reflect on practice and undertaking of your action plan.
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- Assessment planning with your consultant to plan the format of your assessment and what to expect
- Assessment days include observation of practice, oversight of key person centred documentation, and discussions with key people within the provision (including autistic people where relevant)
- Observations may also be undertaken by an independent moderator
- Online Autism Specialist Award survey is sent to families and/or autistic people
- A report summary of assessment findings, areas of strength and development is produced by the adviser and sent to the awarding body.
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- Outcomes are measured against specific criteria that must be met and demonstrated in order to achieve one of the following stages of 'aspiring', 'accredited' and 'advanced'
- A licence to use the Autism Specialist Award mark is issued along with a certificate for organisations who achieve Autism Specialist Award.
Once your organisation is awarded, you'll be able to enjoy the following benefits:
- Use of the Autism Specialist Award logo on promotional materials once Autism Specialist status is granted, and licence agreement signed
- A press pack containing guidance on how to publicise your Autism Specialist achievement externally
- Invitations to free accreditation and raising the standards days
- A 10% discount to the National Autistic Society's conferences
- An opportunity for staff to continue professional development
- Access to the wider Autism Specialist Award Community.
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- Autism Specialist status will be reconfirmed upon request from the provision after an agreed period of time
- Exclusive access to Autism Specialist Award networking events.
PEACE service, our NHS Community Eating Disorder Services for children and young people
Congratulations on gaining the Autism Specialist Award!
Read their testimonial