‘Life changer as a general adult psychiatrist’: delivering a National Autism Training Programme for Psychiatrists

Abstract

Summary Autistic people are at high risk of mental health problems, yet psychiatrists report limited training and confidence with respect to autism. The National Autism Training Programme for Psychiatrists aimed to improve recognition and earlier diagnosis of autism and to promote reasonable adjustments and autism-informed practice. Over 1500 psychiatrists completed the foundation course, and over 250 undertook the enhanced course. Substantial improvements were observed in ten core autism-related competencies, alongside widespread reports of changes to individual clinical practice. The programme is among the largest autism training initiatives ever delivered to psychiatrists and provides important lessons for future programmes.