In line with its commitment to standing with autistic children and young people, Ambitious about Autism is running a new national programme that will empower autistic young people to take control of their mental health, understand themselves and feel OK while at secondary school.
The national charity has collaborated with Zurich and its global charitable arm, Z Zurich Foundation, on the Autistic and OK programme.
It supports autistic 11-17-year-olds with their mental health and well-being while building a whole-school community of autism acceptance.
Issues with mental health
Over 70,000 autistic children attend state secondary schools and, according to research by Ambitious about Autism, four out of five autistic young people experience issues with their mental health.
This is often due to stigma, bullying and a lack of support from a young age.
Latest figures also indicate that 20,000 autistic pupils are persistently absent from state secondary schools.
This pioneering youth-led programme will equip autistic students with tools and techniques to manage their mental health while tackling the challenge of absenteeism.
How Autistic and OK aims to help
Autistic and OK has been developed in collaboration with autistic young people and specialists in mental health and well-being.
It is based on topics that autistic young people themselves have identified as impacting them the most – anxiety, depression, OCD and bullying.
According to autistic youth advisors, an increased understanding of autism and mental health within the secondary school setting helps them to look after their own well-being.
What the programme offers
Following a successful pilot last year, Autistic and OK is available as a free, online resource for secondary schools nationwide.
It aims to empower autistic young people to take control of their mental health before reaching crisis point.
The easy-to-follow programme toolkit features a series of mental health and well-being resources for autistic pupils, teachers, parents and carers.
It includes materials for autistic students in years 10 and above to run peer-led sessions for younger autistic pupils to give them the support they need to navigate and understand their own mental health.
How to access this free programme
Download the toolkit and take part in the Autistic and OK programme.
