Understanding stress and anxiety in autism and their impact on behaviour

Understanding stress and anxiety in autism and their impact on behaviour' - SPELL strategies

 

This week we have been attending the 'Understanding stress and anxiety in autism and their impact on behaviour' course hosted by Mandy Rutter from the National Autistic Society.

 

The course incorporated a number of sessions working to provide a current understanding of autism, with a focus on stress and anxiety and how to support our autistic learners proactively.

 

The course covered a range of areas taking into account current research and thinking surrounding:

• definitions of autism

• causes of stress and anxiety in autistic people           

• differing definitions of behaviour 

• applying skills in understanding anxiety and behaviour using the SPELL framework 

• describing and implementing changes to our environment

• practice to best support autistic people

 

 

At Tor View we have regular training to maintain and develop our understanding of autism and the strategies that can be used to support our autistic learners to achieve their best. We promote a structured approach towards understanding our autistic learners, their anxieties and the best methods to support them which was discussed in this week’s training.

These areas of focus can be explored through the SPELL framework as we work to consider:

• Structure - adopting a structured approach e.g. use of visual supports

• Positive (approaches and expectations) - being positive, using a non-judgmental approach

• Empathy - taking time to understand the person

• Low arousal - reduced distractions promoting a balanced state of arousal

• Links - working collaboratively with others

 

If you would like more information relating to the SPELL framework and how the areas function as a strategy – please see the following website: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/strategies-and-interventions/strategies-and-interventions/spell