Context
KITE supports autistic adults who benefit from practical, person‑centred tools to manage stress and stay connected. Staff wanted an accessible programme that could give participants simple, repeatable strategies and a shared way to talk about feelings and decision‑making.
Challenge
Participants needed techniques that were easy to remember and use independently, and staff needed a consistent framework to support daily wellbeing without adding complexity to routines. The service also wanted to ensure any training translated into ongoing practice rather than a one‑off workshop.
Intervention
KITE delivered the Decider Skills programme to a cohort of participants in 2025 and committed to continued practice sessions afterwards. The approach emphasised clear, stepwise skills that could be rehearsed and embedded into everyday situations. Staff supported participants to use the tools regularly so they became part of the service’s shared language.
Outcomes
- Universal usefulness: Every participant who completed the evaluation reported that the Decider Skills were useful.
- Improved stress management: One participant said, “I have found this training very good to talk about autism and how to manage my stress every day.”
- Strong peer recommendation: Most participants indicated they would recommend Decider Skills to others, signalling both personal benefit and perceived value for peers.
- Sustained practice: The service continued to support and reinforce the skills after the programme ended, increasing the likelihood of lasting change.
Testimonial
Evelyn Prendergast, Senior Supervisor at KITE Autism Service, described the training and follow‑up support as beneficial for both participants and the service, highlighting that the group found the skills “very beneficial.”
Why this worked
- Simplicity and repeatability: Short, clear steps made the skills easy to remember and apply independently.
- Staff backing: Ongoing practice sessions ensured skills moved from workshop content into everyday practice.
- Shared language: A common framework helped staff and participants talk about stress and choices in a respectful, practical way.
Practical takeaways for other services
- Prioritise a short programme that participants can rehearse frequently.
- Plan explicit, low‑effort follow‑up sessions so skills become routine.
- Use participant feedback to highlight simple wins and encourage peer recommendations.
Next steps
KITE’s experience demonstrates how Decider Skills can be integrated into supported services to improve stress management, create a common vocabulary for wellbeing, and encourage peer endorsement. Services looking for an evidence‑informed, practical approach to everyday emotional regulation can consider introducing Decider Skills with a plan for sustained practice.