Understanding and Responding to Autism: The SPELL framework (3rd edition)
A training resource for use in health, social, education, justice and employment settings
Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd
3rd Edition
Published on 30. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
120 pages
978-1-80388-448-6 (ISBN)
Description
SPELL is a proven framework for understanding and responding to autism in a way that enables autistic people to participate in all aspects of their lives and to be valued, respected and heard. SPELL stands for Structure (to reduce ambiguity and anxiety), Positive Approaches, Attitudes and Expectations (to foster a neurodiversity-affirming approach), Empathy (to see things from the perspective of others), Low Arousal (to reduce sensory processing stressors), and Links (to ensure consistency of support). Building on the success of its predecessors, the third edition of the SPELL training pack has been extensively updated by a team of autistic authors and allies following many years of experience across different settings, and offers a comprehensive, fully resourced, person-centred approach for anyone seeking to deliver SPELL classroom training. The pack includes a copy of the Self-Study Guide, also available separately.
More details
Series
Edition
3rd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Hove
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 298 mm
Width: 210 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
1000 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80388-448-6 (9781803884486)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Julie Beadle-Brown is a researcher, consultant, Professor Emerita in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at the Tizard Centre, Kent, and Professor in Disability Studies at La Trobe University, Australia.
Richard Mills is Head of Research, Evaluation and Clinical Support at AT-Autism. He has chaired numerous research groups, written multiple scientific papers and helped to develop NICE guidance on autism.
Ruth Moyse is a trainer, facilitator and Head of Training and Co-production at AT-Autism. She sits on neurodiversity advisory boards and steering groups in the UK and Europe.
Joe Powell is Chief Executive of All Wales People First. He is autistic, with first-hand experience of living in autism care services.
Zahilah Filzah Zulkifli directs Space A Autism Centre, Malaysia. She is a SPELL master trainer and an Associate Consultant with AT-Autism.
Richard Mills is Head of Research, Evaluation and Clinical Support at AT-Autism. He has chaired numerous research groups, written multiple scientific papers and helped to develop NICE guidance on autism.
Ruth Moyse is a trainer, facilitator and Head of Training and Co-production at AT-Autism. She sits on neurodiversity advisory boards and steering groups in the UK and Europe.
Joe Powell is Chief Executive of All Wales People First. He is autistic, with first-hand experience of living in autism care services.
Zahilah Filzah Zulkifli directs Space A Autism Centre, Malaysia. She is a SPELL master trainer and an Associate Consultant with AT-Autism.
Content
About the authors
Introduction
Background
What is SPELL?
Context and ideas
Who is this resource for?
What is included in the pack?
General guidance for trainers
Overview
Timetabling training
Induction presentation
Alternative presentation
Training
Part 1: Understanding autism
Part 2: The SPELL framework
Appendices
Appendix 1: Optional examples
Appendix 2: PowerPoint slides and commentary
Further resources
Introduction
Background
What is SPELL?
Context and ideas
Who is this resource for?
What is included in the pack?
General guidance for trainers
Overview
Timetabling training
Induction presentation
Alternative presentation
Training
Part 1: Understanding autism
Part 2: The SPELL framework
Appendices
Appendix 1: Optional examples
Appendix 2: PowerPoint slides and commentary
Further resources