This powerful booklet aims to challenge our thinking about the way we communicate and interact with autistic people and those with learning (intellectual) disabilities. The ’10 Rules’ concept sets out to be deliberately provocative, by suggesting ways in which people, services and environments can unconciously create problems and obstacles for those they seek to support. Each communication ‘rule’ speaks powerful with the voice of the individual on the receiving end of services and practice. Together, the 10 rules provide a useful starting point for discussion and a catalyst for action. Each is followed by suggestions for positive practice. The booklet also contains additional background information on good practice, together with references and sources of further information. The booklet can be used for a range of purposes, including staff induction, awareness training, individual professional development and reflection, and discussion regarding service development and design. It can be used by services, professionals and support workers, trainers, teachers, students and carers

GEMMA GRIFFITH is Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Programmes at the CMRP, Bangor University. She also trains teachers in the Netherlands and South Africa and runs courses for the general public via The Mindfulness Network. Her research interests include mindful parenting, qualitative research, and how mindfulness-based interventions can be adapted for people with learning disabilities. TRISH BARTLEY has been involved in MBCT since its early development in the UK, and has been taught by Jon Kabat-Zinn, John Teasdale and Mark Williams. She is a founding member of the Centre for Mindfulness, Research and Practice (CMRP), Bangor University, where she teaches the master’s program. She also trains teachers and leads retreats in the UK and abroad. She is the co-founder of Mayfly, a consultancy offering brief mindfulness training to the NHS and health and social care teams.