Training Resources Included

As part of this course, you will receive exclusive access to a comprehensive set of practical tools and resources to support autistic people with co-occurring mental health conditions.

Each enrolled practitioner receives one full set of resources.
👉 Multiple training licences and discounted team rates are available for organisations wishing to implement the resources more widely.

Practitioner Toolkits & Frameworks

• PICASSO Framework & Adjustments Checklist
  A holistic, integrative framework supporting autism-responsive practice in mental health settings.

• ARC Tool (Awareness, Response & Communication)
  A structured approach to improving understanding, communication, and support.

• Autistic Person’s Hierarchy of Needs Tool
  Supports person-centred, needs-led care and prioritisation.

Planning, Communication & Transitions

• 10 Organising, Planning & Transition Support Worksheets
  Practical tools to support structure, predictability, and change.

• 20 Communication Preferences, Supports & Adjustments Worksheets
  Enables personalised, accessible communication planning.

• First Contact Communication Template
  Improves engagement and reduces anxiety during initial service contact.

• Preparation for First Contact – Good Practice Checklist

Identification, Family & Sensory Support

• Spotting the Signs Tool
  Focused on thinking and information-processing differences.

• Family Communication & Involvement – Good Practice Checklist

• Sensory Starter Kit Checklist
  Supports sensory-informed environments and adjustments.

Course Curriculum

8 In-Depth Lessons in Autism & Mental Health Practice

This module includes eight structured lessons designed to build practical skills in autism-responsive mental health practice, with a strong focus on adjustments to practice, assessment, and inclusive service delivery.

Lesson Overview

Lesson 1: Introduction to the PICASSO Framework
Learn the PICASSO Framework, a holistic and integrative model for supporting autistic people with co-occurring mental health conditions.

Lesson 2: Developing Autism-Responsive Services (Part 1)
Understand how to prepare for first contacts, assessments, and appointments, including practical adjustments to professional practice.

Lesson 3: Developing Autism-Responsive Services (Part 2)
Explore how to adapt practice to different executive functioning, thinking styles, and information-processing differences.

Lesson 4: Autism Assessments & Mental Health
Recognise pathways to autism assessment and understand how mental health presentations intersect with diagnostic processes.

Lesson 5: Understanding Autism Assessments
Examine the strengths, limitations, and practice implications of current autism assessment frameworks.

Lesson 6: Assessing Autism in Girls & Women
Learn about gender-specific presentations, assessment challenges, and practical adjustments to improve identification and support.

Lesson 7: Autism, Identity & Mental Health
Explore the relationship between autism, language, gender identity, diversity, and mental health, with a focus on inclusive, affirming practice.

Lesson 8: A Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model of Assessment
Apply a holistic assessment model to autism and mental health, supporting person-centred and integrative care.

Why Complete This Training?

Transform Your Practice in Autism & Mental Health

Completing this course gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide effective, autism-responsive mental health support. Key benefits include:

• Master Core Skills & Practice Adjustments
  Gain a clear understanding of the core practitioner skills and practical adjustments to support autistic people with co-occurring mental health conditions.

• BPS-Approved Certification & CPD
  Receive a BPS-Approved Certificate (equivalent to 3 days of training, 24 hours CPD) and work towards full BPS Accreditation in Autism and Mental Health.

• Enhance Your Professional Practice
  Learn how to adapt your approach for different mental health and co-occurring conditions, increasing effectiveness and confidence in your work.

• Understand the Lived Experience
  Develop insight into the autistic perspective, including voices and lived experiences, to inform compassionate, person-centred care.

• Access Practical Resources & Tools
  Get supportive resources, frameworks, and evidence-based approaches that you can immediately apply in your practice.

• Apply Learning Directly to Your Work
  Translate theory into action with strategies, tools, and skills designed to improve outcomes for autistic people.

• Evidence-Based & Research-Informed
  Benefit from up-to-date research, frameworks, and best-practice guidance, ensuring your practice is informed and credible.

• Reflect on Your Own Practice
  Increase self-awareness, evaluate current approaches, and make meaningful improvements in your professional work.

What You Will Take Away from the Course

Practical Resources, Tools & Ongoing Support

Gain hands-on tools and evidence-based resources to apply immediately in your professional practice.

• 📄 PDF Course Handouts – easy-to-use reference materials for each lesson

• 🎥 12 Weeks Access to Tutor-Led Videos & 2 Podcasts – flexible, on-the-go learning

• 📝 8 Workbooks – to help structure your learning

• 🎓 Certificate of Completion – recognise your achievement and CPD hours

• 📚 15 Downloadable Articles – research-informed insights for deeper understanding

• 🔍 2 Spotting the Signs Resource Packs – practical tools for identifying autism traits

• 📑 12 Downloadable Worksheets & Guides – ready-to-use tools to apply in practice

• 🧩 Screening Tool for Girls & Women – supports early identification and gender-sensitive practice

• 💬 Psychoeducation Tools – enhance understanding and communication with autistic people

• ✍️ 5 Reflective Practice Worksheets – evaluate and improve your own professional practice

• 📖 Further Reading & Reference List – access curated, evidence-based resources

• 📦 Supplementary Learning Materials – additional resources to deepen your knowledge and skills

Course Duration

Equivalent to 3 Days of Training

This online training course provides approximately 24 hours of learning, equivalent to 3 full days of training.

• 💻 100% Online & Self-Paced – learn at a time and pace that suits you

• ⏱ Flexible Schedule – complete lessons, activities, and practical exercises on your own timetable

• 🎓 BPS-Approved CPD Hours – gain recognition for your professional development

• ⏱ Approx. 24 Hours of Learning – including lessons, activities, and practical exercises

• 💻 12 Weeks Access to Tutor-Led Videos & Podcasts – 

  Why This Works:

  • Ensures practical application in your professional practice

  • Perfect for CPD accreditation and professional development

Continue Your Professional Development: BPS-Approved Certificate in Autism and Mental Health

If you want to take your learning further, you can progress to the BPS-Approved Certificate in Autism and Mental Health. This certificate includes six additional online modules, giving you comprehensive, evidence-based training to enhance your professional practice.

Modules Included in the Certificate Programme:

• Module 1: Understanding Autism and Mental Health – build foundational knowledge of autism and co-occurring mental health conditions

• Module 3: Sensory Awareness and Regulation – practical strategies to support sensory processing differences

• Module 4: Autism, Alexithymia, Masking, and Synesthesia – understand complex presentations and individual experiences

• Module 5: Autism and Anxiety – evidence-based approaches to assessment and support

• Module 6: Autism and Depression – recognise signs and implement responsive strategies

• Module 7: Autism and Demand Avoidance – tools to support individuals with a demand avoidant profile

Next Step: 👉 Click here to go to the Certificate course page and enrol