Jacky Towells

Test reads 'The SPELL framework.' The AT-Autism logo is shown. The background is the inside of a yellow shell.

Training on this new 3rd Edition of the SPELL framework is provided by @at-autism.bsky.social and #LSBU

For further information, and to book a place:
www.atautism.org/spell-framew...

Image of the new front cover for the SPELL framework self-study guide, 'Understanding and Responding to Autism: The SPELL framework'. All authors listed. The background is a multi-coloured flower.

📢The 3rd Edition of the SPELL framework is now available for pre-order from Pavilion Publishing!

The SPELL framework is an ethical and socially valid mechanism for understanding and responding to autism. It is hopeful, honest, respectful, ethical - and individual.

pavpub.com?s=SPELL&post...
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Unauthorised Absence 🎥🚸 Parents & Schools in a SEND Crisis From lived experience to national action, Jo’s script inspires empathy & change for SEND children & families harmed by education policy

I was recently approached by the team behind a campaign to make a short film on non-attendance at school, Jo Clayton and Natalie Lauren Woodward.

Jo's short script about the #attendance crisis - Unauthorised Absence - is a finalist for the IMDB Script to Screen Award 2025.

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Thanks to everyone who’s shown interest in our SPELL Framework Training!

Our next online session runs on 2 Dec, with more events planned for 2026.

Explore the SPELL approach and register your place or interest here:
www.atautism.org/spell-framew...

#Autism #AutismTraining #Neurodiversity #CPD

We offer consultancy across all aspects of autism and neurodivergence – supporting individuals, families, professionals and organisations.

From inclusive environments to service design and strategy, our team provides evidence-informed, practical advice.

Learn more: www.atautism.org

We’ve had lots of interest in our SPELL Framework Training.

Good news — we’ll be running more sessions in 2026!

Dates aren’t confirmed yet, but you can register your interest via our website. Can't wait? Book a place on our 2 December event!

www.atautism.org/spell-framew...

Developed with Strong Path & approved by CIMSPA, this 2-day, CPD-accredited course "Coaching Autistic Clients through Sport" promotes inclusion across sports through better understanding of autistic differences.

1st sessions running this week!

Learn more/register your interest: info@atautism.org

✨ Save the date: AT-Autism Conference 2026 ✨

📅 Thurs 8 Oct 2026
🏛️ Church House, Westminster

Following the success of Autism: The Art of the Possible, we’ll be back next year for another inspiring day.

See what delegates said about the 2025 conference in the graphics – and keep the date free!

Anticipation a key phase in de-escalation and conciliation on the road to dialogue. Also helps to have the veiled threat of legal action under human rights :) To quote Roosevelt "speak softly and carry a big stick, you will go far"

Like many parents, Linda and husband have had to put in place a lot of thinking about the future, taking wise advice and hoping that his future will include people who truly love Christopher for who he is.

Amen to that, from me, as a parent.
#AutismArtOfThePossible

Fortunately, a local provider was building bungalows nearby that were a really good match for Christopher.
Plenty of training had to happen, with good transitions.
Sensitive, person-centred, structured working, with the low-arousal approach key to success. The staff team is stable (20, 8 & 4 yrs)/

Linda reflects on taking Christopher to parties he hated, reflecting on 'Who was that for?'
Realising as a parent that they had to give him things he enjoyed.
Finding a lovely school was a huge part of success for Christopher/
#AutismArtOfThePossible

My note: Concerning to hear of the sabotage from some original teams around Kasibba & the huge financial interests they were trying to protect.

Lucy: (paraphrased) - The need to collect evidence, and to think ahead to what the 'saboteurs' would try next, were vital in calling out poor practice/

#AutismArtOfThePossible
Lucy Dunstan from Changing Our Lives speaking about her advocacy role within the case above, and what she found when working with Camden.
True integrated working, where the whole team were on side and wanted the best for Kasibba and others in their care/

Andrew makes the important point that it was the culture that needed changing. All the strategy in the world won't make a difference, if the culture doesn't allow people to listen and act. Bringing in truly excellent speakers and trainers for this, being brave and having integrity, are all key.

Heba talks about how to make it easier for an autistic child (or any other child) to enjoy school. Giving them a doable start time and being understanding if today is a day they really can't handle attending for part or all of it, for good reason. Compassion, not punishment, works much better/

Heba's school offers a flexible uniform policy for the children, being understanding of different family budgets and children's sensory needs.
Enabling children to learn at their own pace, but together - not dividing into low, mid and high expectation classes/

Zahilah explains how many people have felt seen and validated, after years hearing nothing but 'deficit based' language and ideas about autism. Many healthcare professionals are having their practice and results transformed by the SPELL framework, e.g. Dentists/
#AutismArtOfThePossible

Spell Framework - AT-Autism

Zahilah talks us through the SPELL framework which is making such a difference to so many autistic children and families.
It's a practical, human framework that is rooted in empathy and respect.
www.atautism.org/spell-framew... gives more information on this/

Many thanks to @annmemmott.bsky.social for sharing her reflections on our conference today.
#AutismArtOfThePossible

#AutismtheArtOfThePossible confirmed to me that In-person events still have a critical role. Watching the interactions, the networking, the informal chats, the fun, the love and the joy of having people who share a common cause, together in the same safe space was immense. @at-autism.bsky.social

#AutismArtOfThePossible
From my perspective, a really fabulous conference with so many good speakers and vital topics.
Do get in contact with @at-autism.bsky.social and team if you need further information, ideas and signposting.

How to get star struck at an Autism conference? Sit at a table with Damian Milton 😅 #AutismArtOfThePossible

Next thread on #AutismArtOfThePossible, with speaker Zahilah Filzah, who worked as a consultant paediatrician and advisor to the Court for Children in Malaysia.

She is the founder of The Ark Autism Centre, which supports autistic individuals and their families from low-income communities/

My note: Hugely encouraging to hear Heba explaining how to make school fantastic for autistic children and so many others...and for the parents to relax and enjoy instead of having to fight a punishment/rules based system.

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow Erin 😊

Erin eating an ice cream in front of Buckingham palace roundabout

Hooray 🎉 I've made it to London for @at-autism.bsky.social the Art of the Possible conference tomorrow #neuroaffirmative #participatory #action #research followed by over sharing my own laughable experiences of autism w a stand-up set for @scienceshowoff.bsky.social

Tomorrow’s the day!

We can’t wait to welcome everyone joining us – in person and online – for our 'Autism: The Art of the Possible' conference.

There’s still time to book your online ticket and be part of the day:
www.atautism.org/at-autism-co...

#AutismArtOfThePossible

The SPELL framework helps professionals, families & organisations create environments where autistic people feel safe, valued & able to thrive.

Join our online training on 2 December, designed for professionals working with autistic adults.

📅 2 Dec | Online
🎟️ Book: www.atautism.org/spell-framew...

In-person tickets for Autism: The Art of the Possible are SOLD OUT!

BUT, you can still join us online:

🎥 Livestream on the day
▶️ Or watch on demand afterwards

📅 Wed 8 Oct
🎟️ Book your online place: www.atautism.org/at-autism-co...