Understanding and Responding to Autism: The SPELL framework (3rd edition)
A self-study guide 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
170 pages
978-1-80388-451-6 (ISBN)
Description
This essential handbook provides a self-study route through the successful SPELL framework, which promotes the understanding of autism and offers a person-centred, neurodiversity-affirming approach. The book guides the reader through the updated and revised materials, highlighting when to watch particular videos and do the various exercises and activities. It also includes a new audit, which attendees can bring back to their school, service, or workplace to assess their environment against the principles of the SPELL framework and look at ways to make improvements. Aimed at health and social care workers, professionals in the wider education system and employers looking to improve their workplace, this updated revision is also relevant for further settings including those working in mental health services within the community and criminal justice system.
Companion to Understanding and Responding to Autism: The SPELL framework training pack.
Companion to Understanding and Responding to Autism: The SPELL framework training pack.
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: 285 mm
Width: 186 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
1000 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80388-451-6 (9781803884516)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Dr Julie Beadle-Brown is a researcher, consultant and professor in Intellectual and Developmental Disability.
Richard Mills is an experienced autism advisor, who has chaired numerous research groups, helped to develop NICE guidance and authored multiple scientific papers, chapters and articles on autism.
Ruth Moyse is an experienced trainer and facilitator and is Head of Training and Co-production at AT-Autism. Her research interest is the education of autistic children, and autistic mental health and wellbeing.
Joe Powell is Chief Executive of All Wales People First. He is autistic, with first-hand experience of living in learning disability services.
Dr. Zahilah Filzah is the Director and Consultant Paediatrician at Space A Autism Support Centre in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. She is also an Associate Consultant at AT-Autism and a Licensed SPELL Advanced Trainer.
Richard Mills is an experienced autism advisor, who has chaired numerous research groups, helped to develop NICE guidance and authored multiple scientific papers, chapters and articles on autism.
Ruth Moyse is an experienced trainer and facilitator and is Head of Training and Co-production at AT-Autism. Her research interest is the education of autistic children, and autistic mental health and wellbeing.
Joe Powell is Chief Executive of All Wales People First. He is autistic, with first-hand experience of living in learning disability services.
Dr. Zahilah Filzah is the Director and Consultant Paediatrician at Space A Autism Support Centre in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. She is also an Associate Consultant at AT-Autism and a Licensed SPELL Advanced Trainer.
Content
Introduction
Part 1: Understanding Autism
Terminology
Neurodiversity
Cause, prevalence and diagnosis
Characteristics of autism
Social communication differences and difficulties
Intense interests and repetitive/self- stimulating behaviours (stimming)
The sensory world of autism
Other features & strengths of autism
Underlying mechanisms
Stress and anxiety
Personal experiences
Part 2: Supporting autistic children and adults
The SPELL framework
Structure
Positive approaches, attitudes and expectations
Empathy
Good communication support
SPELL audit
References and further reading
Part 1: Understanding Autism
Terminology
Neurodiversity
Cause, prevalence and diagnosis
Characteristics of autism
Social communication differences and difficulties
Intense interests and repetitive/self- stimulating behaviours (stimming)
The sensory world of autism
Other features & strengths of autism
Underlying mechanisms
Stress and anxiety
Personal experiences
Part 2: Supporting autistic children and adults
The SPELL framework
Structure
Positive approaches, attitudes and expectations
Empathy
Good communication support
SPELL audit
References and further reading