Listen
Broomhayes: our aims
The philosophy of SPELL- School management and staff
- The curriculum at Broomhayes
- Accommodation
- Leisure activities
- Our admissions process
- School policies
- Broomhayes news and events
- How to contact Broomhayes
The Philosophy of SPELL
Print this page
NAS schools and services for adults have developed a framework for understanding and responding to the needs for children, young people and adults with autism. The framework is useful in reducing the disabling effects of autism and provides a cornerstone for communication. It also forms the basis of all autism-specific staff training and provides an ethical basis for intervention. The acronym for this framework is SPELL, which stands for Structure, Positive, Empathy, Low Arousal, Links.
The SPELL framework recognises the individual needs of each child and young person and all our planning and intervention is organised on this basis. By building on a child's strengths and reducing the disabling effects of their autism, we make progress in their personal development and provide them with opportunities for as full a life as possible.
The SPELL framework can be applied across the whole of the autism spectrum. It draws on and is complimentary to other approaches, notably TEACCH.
Structure
Providing structure helps with organisation and makes sense of what can be a very confusing world. Predictable events and program formats lead to a reduction of anxiety, avoiding open-ended choice.
Positive
Positive attitudes and appropriate expectations help to enhance confidence and self-esteem. Programs are designed to maximise and build upon strengths and skills.
Empathetic
We endeavour to see the world from each individual's unique viewpoint and aim to understand how they think and learn. Programs are constructed to sensitively encourage each child's growth and development.
Low Arousal
Providing environments that are free of clutter and which offer opportunity for children to relax and relieve tension. Interventions are calm, focused and planned and adopt a non-confrontational style. We provide supported rehearsals of potentially aversive experiences in order to promote confidence and growth.
Other pages in this section:
