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RESOURCES
Written from the perspective of an Autistic social worker, the resources I create aim to encourage and request you review how you relate and work with Autistic people in your work system.
Offering advice around both the practical and attitudinal aspects of social work practice.
These resources are not offering anything new, but an opportunity to review the lens through which you view, asses and relate to Autistic People.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Abstract
Social work has a vital role to play in supporting Autistic people of all ages. Whether in facilitating access to other services, such as housing, enhancing quality of life, or in a safeguarding capacity, social workers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure their practice ensures full, equitable involvement of Autistic people. Regrettably, research evidence indicates practice is not always inclusive and can fall short in responding effectively to Autistic people’s needs. This article adds to recent UK practice guidance and social work scholarship concerning social work and autism. It does so by introducing a framework developed by Autistic doctors for meeting Autistic people’s needs in medical settings known as ‘Autistic SPACE’ and exploring how it could be used for social work contexts. The five core autistic needs recognised in the SPACE framework are addressed, i.e. Sensory, Predictability, Acceptance, Communication and Empathy. How a practice-near social work perspective may aid in developing the framework further is also considered, extending the acronym from SPACE to SPACES to highlight the significance of Social Safety and Support.
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Guthrie, J., Doherty, M., Shaw, S. C., O’Reilly, M., Ní Chinnéide, E., & Archard, P. J. (2024). Autistic SPACE(S) in Social Work. Practice, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2024.2423405
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A reflexive piece I wrote in response to my lived experiences as an
Autistic social worker in the UK.
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Guthrie, J (2023) Swimming with the Current But against the Tide: Reflections of an Autistic Social Worker, The British Journal of Social Work, Volume 53, Issue 3, April 2023, Pages 1700–1710, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcad039
A Guide to Respectful and Relational
Working with Autistic People
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This short booklet offers ideas and understanding for any professional or non-autisitc person in working relationally with Autistic people
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if using and sharing , please cite as McCabe, J (2021) Social Working with Autistic People: A Guide to Respectful and Relational Working with Autistic People, Autistic Social Worker, available at www.autisticsocialworker.co.uk