Autistic and OK: A Toolkit That’s Changing the Game for Autistic Pupils

Kathryn Gibb
19 hours ago
2 min read

Let’s be honest—school can be tough for anyone, but for autistic pupils, it often comes with extra challenges. Anxiety, depression, bullying, and even obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are common struggles, and too many young people feel they have to face them alone. That’s where Ambitious about Autism’s Autistic and OK toolkit steps in—and it look like SENDCos and Resource Provision leads will find it invaluable.

What Is Autistic and OK?

Autistic and OK is more than just a catchy name. It’s a peer-led mental health programme designed to help autistic pupils understand themselves, manage their wellbeing, and feel genuinely OK in school. Developed by Ambitious about Autism in partnership with Zurich UK and the Z Zurich Foundation, this free toolkit is available to every secondary school in the UK. And yes, it’s been a hit—over 1,000 schools have already downloaded it, reaching tens of thousands of autistic young people.

Why Does It Matter?

Here’s a sobering stat: four in five autistic young people experience mental health issues, yet only a fraction feel comfortable asking for help. The toolkit aims to change that by:

Empowering pupils to take control of their mental health before reaching crisis point.
Building acceptance across the whole school community.
Creating role models, as older autistic pupils lead sessions for younger peers.

What’s Inside the Toolkit?

This isn’t just a PDF with a few tips. It’s a comprehensive resource pack, including:

Peer-led session plans on anxiety, depression, OCD, and bullying.
PowerPoint slides and worksheets for group and individual work.
Teacher’s guide with step-by-step instructions and practical advice.
Parent and carer information pack for support at home.
Assembly resources to promote autism understanding school-wide.
Staff training module to help teachers support autistic pupils effectively. [ambitiousa...ism.org.uk ]

There are even adapted resources for specialist schools and youth groups, making sure no one is left out.

The Impact So Far

Schools using Autistic and OK report incredible results:

80% of pupils say their peers and teachers understand them better.
100% feel more confident about managing their mental health.
Teachers notice improved wellbeing and stronger social connections among autistic pupils.

Why Educational Psychology for Schools Loves It

What makes this programme stand out is its authenticity. It was co-designed with autistic young people, ensuring the content feels relevant and relatable. As one Year 8 pupil put it:“I liked that I could speak with an older autistic student instead of an adult. She really gets it because she has autism too.”