"Continue spreading the word”: the legacy of the National Autism Trainer Programme
Commissioned training from the National Autism Trainer Programme has come to an end. At the programme’s closing conference, we reflected on the programme’s legacy and how its implementation can inform the future of mental health care across England.
The National Autism Trainer Programme (NATP) is a groundbreaking training programme, commissioned by NHS England in 2022 to upskill its workforce and improve the care autistic people receive in NHS settings. The programme was co-delivered by Anna Freud and AT-Autism, and was designed and developed with autistic people.
NATP commissioned training is now complete, having reached over 5,000 delegates. The programme followed a train-the-trainer model, so each delegate delivers training back to staff at their own services and trusts, alongside an autistic Expert by Experience (EbE). Those 5,000 people will now continue training their colleagues and driving change in their services.
The programme’s closing conference in February provided a great opportunity for the NATP core team to come together with NATP staff and supporters, as well as training delegates and EbEs. Together, we reflected on the programme and shared our hopes for NATP’s future. Watch these video clips to hear conference attendees consider how they’ll continue the programme’s legacy.
“It’s helped me change the way I practice”
More than just attending a training session, NATP has given delegates a deepened empathy and understanding that will stay with them throughout their career. However their role or workplace might change in the future, the programme’s learning can remain a part of the care they provide.
“Give all of our staff a real, deep understanding of autism”
A train-the-trainer model has enabled NATP learning to reach whole services and trusts. At our closing conference, one delegate highlighted how the programme goes beyond individual practice. Kate has trained over 100 people in her service so far, and hopes to roll out training to all staff in the hopes of making her whole service autism friendly.
“Lives are saved by this training”
Expert by Experience Nellie shares their belief that if people don’t feel properly supported when they seek out care, they will stop asking for help. It’s essential that NATP’s community keeps the programme’s learning and practice alive to help more mental health services effectively support autistic people. Ensuring everyone gets the care they need will change – and even save – people’s lives.
“It doesn’t stop today – it’s everlasting”
The learning from NATP has the potential to make an impact long after the programme comes to an end. Venessa says it's down to each of us to ensure we embed the programme in our practice, and to keep sharing it with others.
Looking forward
Thank you to everyone who completed NATP training for attending and taking this step towards changing lives. Commissioned training may have come to an end, but we are already seeing the ripples of change: individuals are training teams, which in turn can transform whole services.
Read more about the programme’s impactWe can’t wait to see how the programme’s legacy evolves as our community grows. The programme can be kept alive through our NATP trainees sharing their knowledge, to ensure that all autistic people are properly supported by mental health care services. Together, we can help everyone get the care they need to thrive.
Find out more about NATPIf you’re interested in bespoke training for your team on any aspect of mental health—such as depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating disorders, suicidality, and trauma— and neurodivergence, including autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, please contact us at: training@annafreud.org
About Anna Freud
We have been supporting children and young people for over 70 years and are working to close the gap in children and young people’s mental health. NATP is helping us achieve this by providing professionals with the skills and knowledge to ensure autistic people are properly supported in mental health settings.
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