Compassionate challenge: a co-production approach to autism training in mental health services

Purpose Evidence indicates mental health staff need education when working with autistic people (Maddox et al, 2020; Crane et al, 2018). This project aims to address this through collaboration with a peer specialist (PS). Design/methodology/approach A service improvement case study to enhance community mental health team (CMHT) staff’s knowledge and skills when working with autistic adults with coexisting mental illnesses. Education sessions were co-created and co-delivered by a trainee advanced clinical practitioner (tACP) and an autistic PS (Crane et al, 2019, National Autistic Society, 2025). Data was collected using a cross-sectional survey. Both the tACP and PS provide reflections on co-production. Findings All participants reported improved knowledge of autism, with 6 of 7 agreeing their confidence working with autistic people with co-occurring mental illnesses had improved. All agreed that PS inclusion in training was valuable. Originality/value Despite small sample size, this project demonstrates clear need for autism training in CMHTs and supports PS inclusion in professional training. It examines co-production experience and benefits through reflections from both professional and PS perspectives.