--- title: "Understanding stress and anxiety in autism and their impact on behaviour" url: "http://elip.org/blog/2021-03-24-11-10-19-understanding-stress-and-anxiety-in-autism-and-their-impact-on-behaviour" school: "Tor View School" --- # Understanding stress and anxiety in autism and their impact on behaviour ![Image of Understanding stress and anxiety in autism and their impact on behaviour](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/images/blog/Stress_and_Anxiety.png) 24 March 2021 [Michael Naughton](http://elip.org/blog/author/mnaughton) Understanding stress and anxiety in autism and their impact on behaviour' - SPELL strategies This week we have been attending the 'Understanding stress and anxiety in autism and their impact on behaviour' course hosted by Mandy Rutter from the National Autistic Society. The course incorporated a number of sessions working to provide a current understanding of autism, with a focus on stress and anxiety and how to support our autistic learners proactively. The course covered a range of areas taking into account current research and thinking surrounding: • definitions of autism • causes of stress and anxiety in autistic people • differing definitions of behaviour • applying skills in understanding anxiety and behaviour using the SPELL framework • describing and implementing changes to our environment • practice to best support autistic people At Tor View we have regular training to maintain and develop our understanding of autism and the strategies that can be used to support our autistic learners to achieve their best. We promote a structured approach towards understanding our autistic learners, their anxieties and the best methods to support them which was discussed in this week’s training. These areas of focus can be explored through the SPELL framework as we work to consider: • **Structure** - adopting a structured approach e.g. use of visual supports • **Positive (approaches and expectations)** - being positive, using a non-judgmental approach • **Empathy** - taking time to understand the person • **Low arousal** - reduced distractions promoting a balanced state of arousal • **Links** - working collaboratively with others If you would like more information relating to the SPELL framework and how the areas function as a strategy – please see the following website: [ Down's Syndrome Awareness](http://elip.org/blog/2021-03-19-14-50-39-down-s-syndrome-awareness) [3/4O Brain Tumour Research Awareness ](http://elip.org/blog/2021-03-25-08-39-20-3-4o-brain-tumour-research-awareness) ![Tor View School](https://files.schudio.com/tor-view-school/images/logo/TV_SVT_Logo_website_Footer_Logos.png) **Tor View School** Clod Lane Haslingden Lancashire BB4 6LR Tel: 01706 214640 ### Useful Links - [Educational Excellence](https://torview.org/educational-excellence/welcome) - [The Sea View Trust](http://theseaviewtrust.co.uk/welcome) - [Valley College](https://www.valleycollege.co.uk/) - [Embrace TSH](https://embracetsh.co.uk/) **The Sea View Trust (Reg in England and Wales)** Trust Central Team The Sea View Trust Ewood Campus, Clod Lane Rossendale, BB4 6LR © Copyright 2020–2026 Tor View School School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](http://elip.org/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)