Skip to Content

SPELL Framework Poster

The SPELL Framework (Structure, Positive approaches, Empathy, Low arousal, Links) - a key model for supporting autistic people developed by the National Autistic Society.

The SPELL Framework was developed by the National Autistic Society as a model for understanding and supporting autistic people. SPELL stands for Structure, Positive approaches, Empathy, Low arousal, and Links.

The five principles

  • Structure - providing predictability and clear expectations
  • Positive approaches - focusing on strengths and what works
  • Empathy - understanding the autistic perspective
  • Low arousal - creating calm, sensory-friendly environments
  • Links - building connections between home, school and other settings

Who is this for?

Employers, educators, healthcare professionals, parents and carers, and anyone supporting neurodivergent people in daily life.

About the creator

This resource was created by Loren Snow, founder and lead trainer at Neurodiverse Training. As a neurodivergent individual himself, Loren brings lived experience and over a decade of professional expertise to every resource he creates.

Want to understand sensory-informed support properly?

This poster is a starting point. Our course What is Sensory Processing? underpins the kind of structured, low-arousal support the SPELL framework describes, explaining sensory demand and the adjustments that help. It carries a certificate worth 2 hours of CPD.

Explore the course →
SPELL Framework Poster