What is the NAS?

NAS stands for the National Autistic Society. It’s the UK’s leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families.

What does the NAS do?

The National Autistic Society works to:

• Support individuals with autism and their families
• Raise awareness and understanding of autism
• Train schools and professionals to better support autistic children
• Campaign for better services and rights for autistic people

How does it help parents and schools?

• They offer advice, guidance, and resources for families, teachers, and carers
• They provide autism training to schools, helping staff create more inclusive classrooms
• They run autism-friendly events and support groups
• They help ensure children get the right educational support, including help with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans)

Why is it important?

The NAS helps ensure that autistic children are understood, respected, and supported—both at school and in everyday life. They’re a key resource for parents looking for help, information, or someone to turn to.

What is NAS Accreditation?

The NAS Autism Accreditation is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme for schools and services. It is a trusted recognition that a setting is meeting high standards of autism practice.

Schools or services with NAS Accreditation have:

• Demonstrated a deep understanding of autism
• Put in place effective strategies to support autistic pupils
• Created an environment that promotes inclusion, communication, and independence
• Undergone a detailed assessment process involving observations, evidence reviews, and feedback from autistic individuals and their families

For parents, NAS Accreditation provides confidence that the school or setting is committed to high-quality, person-centred support for autistic children.