The Adult Autism Keyworker Service
We are a support service for autistic people with a diagnosis. The service offers psychoeducation to autistic adults with low to moderate support needs, in Kent and Medway. Clients must be registered with a GP in Kent and Medway.
The support is provided by keyworkers and peer support workers, as well as registered practitioners. Our peer support workers are people with lived experience of autism.
Who we are
The team consists of registered practitioners including: social worker, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and a mental health nurse, a small team of keyworkers experienced in supporting autistic clients
peer support workers who have lived experience of autism
How can we can help
To make sure all clients can gain the maximum benefit from our service, psychoeducation is provided prior to any other signposting or support. These may be offered either as virtual group sessions, or one-to-one in a virtual or face to face format.
Our psychoeducation workshops provide information on key differences and needs which may arise from being autistic; it is recommended and encouraged that adults referred to the service attend the workshops in full. The workshops are organised into themes including:
- Autism overview
- Sensory differences
- Emotional regulation
- Getting better sleep
- Communication skills
- Managing anxiety
- Transition and change
- Self care and wellbeing.
You will be expected to attend 8 weeks of workshops for up to 2 hours per week. Upon referral to our service, all clients will be asked to complete an initial assessment with one of our registered practitioners to assess individual needs and circumstances to ensure the correct level of support is offered. At this point, it may identified that your needs may be suitable for additional 1-1 support, which can be offered alongside psychoeducation for up to 12 weeks.
People who have received psychoeducation previously can be re-referred to the service if further support needs arise. They will be considered for reassessment. We use outcome measures to evidence the effectiveness of our support provision.
Referrals
We only accept referrals from health or social care professionals.
If you are a healthcare professional, please use our Adult Autism Keyworker Service Referral Form
Our advice line
Phone: 0300 790 0511
Our advice line is for adults only. It can be used by carers or family members of autistic adults, autistic adults themselves (diagnosed and undiagnosed), professionals and organisations.
The line is open three times a week: Monday 1 to 4pm, Wednesday 9am to 1pm and Friday 9am to 1pm.
The advice line is answered by a clinician who works in the Adult Autism Keyworker Service. Please note at this time, we will be unable to respond to any voicemail messages left.
What can the advice line help with?
- self-management resources following a diagnosis of autism or to those going through the assessment process
- signposting to support provided by services such as local peer support groups
- information about the Adult Autism Support Keyworker Service
- resources from the wider community
- provision of information and advice related to autism and neurodiversity and the local care pathway.