Autistic SPACE(S) in social work

Added on 25/01/2025

Type de contenu

Journal article of the type Perspective ( ; english)

Jenni Guthrie * , Mary Doherty * , Sebastian Shaw * , Michelle O’Reilly , Emma-Kate NiChinneide , Philip Archard
Autistic SPACE(S) in social work published in the journal "Practice" Preprint, 18 pages , doi: 10.1080/09503153.2024.2423405

*Three co-authors had publicly identified as autistic. [Learn more about this mention]

- 9% of authors cited in the bibliography of this resource have publicly identified as autistic (14 out of 153 authors).
- 16% of references cited in this resource contain at least one author who has publicly identified as autistic (12 out of 73 references).

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Summary/Presentation

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.

For your information:

(1) References in blue are resources listed on our site.

(2) Authors listed in this bibliography whose names are in color have published other resources referenced on the site. Clicking on the name allows you to see the list of resources they have published and shared on the site.

(3) Authors whose names are followed by an asterisk have publicly disclosed being autistic.

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