SPELL is the National Autistic Society’s framework that supports our understanding of autistic experience and how to explore supportive approaches.  It is a flexible framework that identifies five principles as elements of good practice and emphasises ways to change the environment and our approaches to meet the specific needs of each person. 

The SPELL framework is a person-centred approach that enables us to create an individualised supportive plan to suit each person's unique profile of differences. It is a framework that enables positive outcomes and autonomy for the autistic person, focusing on how to meet their needs in terms of the three areas of difference.

Structure

Structure supports autonomy and helps people feel safe and secure. In a world that can feel chaotic and confusing, providing structure can help reduce stress and anxiety. Planning and preparation helps to make things predictable. Creating enabling environments ensures people understand expectations and are as prepared as possible. 

Positive

Understanding what gives someone joy and what makes them happy helps to prioritise well-being. Considering how much control people have over their own lives and how they make their own choices and decisions also supports this process. Positivity is about taking a strengths-based approach that channels passions and interests which in turn can support the person with their challenges.

Empathy 

Making efforts to understand, respect and relate to the experience of the autistic person must underpin the support we offer. Empathy is about being open to and trying to understand other people's experiences without judgement.

Effective supporters are calm, predictable, good humoured, empathetic and analytical.

We must try to see the world from the standpoint of the autistic person, knowing what it is that motivates or interests them and also what may frighten, preoccupy or otherwise distress them. We show empathy by validating people’s experiences.

Low arousal/level of regulation 

Low arousal/level of regulation highlights that everyone needs the opportunity to regulate, at any time, and in a way that best suits them and their needs. 

Preventing overwhelm should be a priority and this can be achieved by understanding what each person needs to feel regulated and how the physical and social environments need to be adapted.

Links 

Understanding ourselves and feeling connected are vital to wellbeing. This can be achieved through supporting self-advocacy and creating and maintaining links between the individual, their wider support networks and their chosen community. 

We need to think about how people build their support networks. How do they create meaningful friendships and relationships?

Understand the different ways that people connect with those around them, making sure that everyone feels included and heard, however they choose to communicate and engage.
 

SPELL training courses