Welcome
Welcome to the January edition of our newsletter. We are changing to a monthly update, with a shorter format. Each month we’ll focus on a specific area of our work, comment on an issue or item in the news, and share feedback and links to our events. Let us know what you think!
SPELL Framework
LSBU assumed accreditation of the SPELL framework training this month and we were delighted to mark this with the delivery of a Train the Trainer course on their site. This was a great opportunity to bring teams together and explore materials and ways of working. One of the highlights was the group participation, through group activities and lively discussions!
“Excellent training with, clearly, experienced facilitators that excellently managed discussion while keeping everything on track. Was also good to be in a room with so many practitioners and to engage in discussion and learn from their experiences.”
All future training will be based on the 3rd Edition of the SPELL framework, published by Pavilion, which is now available to pre-order as a training pack or self-study guide Understanding and Responding to Autism: The SPELL framework (3rd edition) Self-study Guide.
Director’s comment
Richard Mills, Head of Research, Evaluation and Clinical Support
I would like to report that the eventual republication of the LeDeR report takes us forward. It does not. Imagine if this applied to other groups in society. That such a casual disregard for the lives of people is somehow acceptable. A catalogue of failings over such a long time, without anything resembling accountability or genuine remorse. More words and promises that lack substance or any sense of urgency. We know from our work with Anna Freud and colleagues at NHS England that our excellent front line NHS staff are alert to the dangers facing autistic people in mental health settings and highly responsive to training and support offered. But we need to see backing from Government. This to be immediately available. No more prevarication or delay.
Courses and services
SPELL Framework
Stage 1 online SPELL training course. This is a 2-day course, with the next event scheduled for Friday 27th March and 10th April.
Stage 2 SPELL Train the Trainer course. This 1-day in-person course is next scheduled to be delivered on Thursday 9th April, in Reading.
You can email us to make a booking, or enquire about closed or bespoke courses for your organisation, at info@atautism.org
Synergy Programme
Please contact us at info@atautism.org to book training on the Synergy Programme. This training has a primary focus on the narrative, the practitioner and the culture of a setting – not the ‘behaviour’ of the autistic person being supported.
Other Services
Click the links for information on the other services we offer:
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Autism Central
We are pleased to be working with Anna Freud on the Autism Central programme, providing Peer Supervision to the Peer Family Guides.
Autism Central is England’s national autism peer education programme, designed to support families and the wider support networks of autistic people.
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Coaching Autistic People through Sport (CAPS)
The next public delivery of the Coaching Autistic People through Sport course, developed in partnership with Strong Path, and endorsed by CIMSPA, is in Reading on 23rd and 24th April 2026. To book a place on these dates, or to arrange delivery of the course to your organisation, please contact info@atautism.org