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      Published on 05, May, 2021

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Autism Accreditation

Autism Accreditation is UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme of support and development for all those providing services to autistic people. It is a way for organisations to show they offer excellent support to autistic children and adults.

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Autism Accreditation is UK’s only autism specific quality assurance programme of support and development for all those providing services to autistic people. Achieving accreditation proves that an organisation is committed to understanding autism and setting the standard for autism practice.
 
Autism Accreditation is an internationally recognised quality standard, and with 25 years of accreditation expertise, we are the longest running programme in the world.

Accredited services include:

  • adult services
  • colleges
  • inclusion units
  • local authorities
  • playgroups
  • prisons
  • schools
  • short break services and more.

What are the benefits of being accredited?

  • a more autism-focused service
  • increased expertise in supporting autistic people
  • foundation for informing strategic planning
  • better outcomes for the autistic people you support/work with
  • reassurance for families/carers
  • a more personalised service
  • increase in referrals to the service/school
  • decrease in vacancies for placements
  • evidence for commissioning bodies
  • ongoing development for the service/school. 

Autism accreditation journey

There are four phases in the accreditation process:

  • Your organisation undertakes a comprehensive and detailed self-audit of current practice
  • Implementation of accreditation action plan based on the self-audit with your adviser
  • Optional quality development visits can be held with your adviser to reflect on practice and undertaking of your action plan
  • Assessment planning with your adviser 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 accreditation 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
  • 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 Accreditation mark is issued along with a certificate for organisations who achieve accredited status and above.

Once your organisation is accredited, you'll be able to enjoy the following benefits:

  • use of the Autism Accreditation logo on promotional materials once accredited status is granted, and licence agreement signed
  • press pack containing guidance on how to publicise your accreditation achievement externally
  • invitations to free accreditation and raising the standards days 
  • 10% discount to National Autistic Society conferences and training events
  • opportunity for staff to continue professional development
  • access to the wider Autism Accreditation Community
  • Accredited status will be reconfirmed upon request from the provision after an agreed period of time
  • Enhanced practice commendations can be gained for specific projects and pieces of work by submitting an application to be considered for recognition after accredited status is achieved
  • Exclusive access to Autism Accreditation networking events

Case studies

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Glasgow Caledonian University

The Student Well-Being Service has become the very first in the UK to achieve Accreditation

Read more
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Hertfordshire Council

Accreditation: "We joined accreditation to ensure that we are providing the very best services and practice"

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Wilds Lodge School

Accreditation: "We decided to reorganise and become wholly inclusive for autistic children"

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Who has achieved accreditation?

See which organisations have achieved accredited status

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We are registered as a charity in England and Wales (269425) and in Scotland (SC039427). The National Autistic Society is also a company limited by guarantee, registered at Companies House (01205298). VAT registration number: 653370050. © The National Autistic Society 2021

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