professor Julie Beadle-Brown

Julie Beadle-Brown is a Professor in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at Kent and Professor in Disability at La Trobe University, Australia. 

Professor Beadle-Brown completed her Masters in French and Pschology and PhD at the University of St Andrews, Scotland.  Her PhD focused on imitation, theory of mind and play in autistic children and adults. 

In 1998 Julie was appointed as Lecturer in Learning Disability to teach on the Service Issues and Research Methods modules of a newly developed MSc in Analysis and Intervention in Learning Disability. Since then, she has played a key role in developing the use of e-learning and distance learning at the Tizard Centre and has developed new programmes in Autism Studies at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

 

Abstract:

Understanding and responding to autism:  Promoting better quality of life and a more inclusive society through the SPELL Framework

Approximately 1 in 100 children and adults have an autism spectrum diagnosis. Whilst there are some core characteristics that underly the diagnosis, each individual is unique in their profile of strengths, interests, needs and difficulties. Almost 70% of autistic people also have another health or neurodevelopmental condition which often go unrecognised or untreated and many live a life marked by exclusion, trauma, misunderstanding and poorer quality of life outcomes. Families of autistic individuals also often experience poorer quality of life outcomes than families of those with other conditions.  This talk will draw both on research and practice to briefly outline some of the challenges experienced by individuals and their families, and will provide a brief overview of what is currently known about intervention and improving outcomes for autistic people and their families.  Finally it will introduce participants to the SPELL Framework – a socially valid way of understanding and responding to autism and improving quality of life through five key principles:

1. the use of Structure to increase predictability and reduce anxiety;
2. positive approaches to support and positive expectations;
3. empathy for how each individual sees and experiences the world around them;
4. a Low Arousal approach to reduce sensory overload, stress and “challenging behaviour” and
5. links with family and other agencies and professionals to ensure consistency of approach and partnership with the individual themselves – listening to them and supporting them to involved in all aspects of their lives.  

The reason why the Framework is described as “socially valid” is because these elements are nothing more than we all need to have a less stressful, more fulfilling life.  However, the talk will also considering the idea that if we can “get it right” for autistic children and adults, we will “get it right” for everyone.