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...

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

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/

#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.

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.