Autism Specialist Award

Apply for Autism Specialist Award

Who is it for?

There are four phases in the Autism Specialist Award process:

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 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 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

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
press pack containing guidance on how to publicise your Autism Specialist 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 Specialist Award Community

Autism Specialist 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 Autism Specialist status is achieved
Exclusive access to Autism Specialist Award networking events

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

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

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