SPELL stands for Structure, Positive approaches and expectations, Empathy, Low arousal, Links. This course looks at each element of the framework, with practical examples to illustrate each component.

Those five principles that have been identified as vital elements of best practice in autism, and emphasises ways of how to change the environment and our approaches, to meet the specific needs of autistic children and adults.

This course is ideal for anyone working with autistic children or adults who are looking to develop their understanding of best practice in supporting autistic people using the SPELL approach. A prior understanding of autism is required for this course.

Course content

Structure: Why is structure necessary in our lives and how to support autistic people in creating structured environments using visual information.
Positive: How to develop and maintain positive approaches and expectations.
Empathy: How to reduce the gap in the double-empathy problem.
Low Arousal approach: What is a low arousal approach and ways of maintaining this.

Outcomes

Gain an increased understanding of the five principles of the SPELL framework and how these can be applied to your workplace.
Understand how increased anxiety affects people with autism and why structure is important.
Identify different ways of creating visual structures which meet the different needs of children and adults with autism.
Understand the importance of developing trust and rapport by focusing on strengths and interests when supporting people with autism.
Become familiar with the double-empathy problem and why getting to know the person as well as their autism is vital in reducing the gap.
Identify the sensory processing differences experienced by people on the autism spectrum and why a low-arousal approach is necessary when supporting people.
Be aware of the benefits of sharing information and working alongside the individual, their families and other professionals.

CPD Accreditation

This module is accredited by the CPD Certification Service (the leading CPD accreditation institution) as conforming to continuing professional development principles.
Learners will receive a certificate of completion which can be used as verifiable documentary evidence when submitting CPD recording forms.
For further information on the CPD Certification service please visit the CPD website.