Forest School and Autism: A Practical Guide

Forest School is an innovative outdoor approach that offers specific benefits to learners with autism, such as increased social skills, raised self-esteem, and improved sensory function. This guide provides practical and easy-to-follow advice for adapting Forest School activities for those with autism, including an introduction to autism and first-person accounts of its success. It also offers advice on the social and sensory benefits, practical advice on safety, and specific activities to be incorporated into practitioners' routines.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2018
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Forest School's innovative outdoor approach offers a range of specific benefits to learners with autism, including enhanced social skills, boosted self-esteem, and improved sensory function. This comprehensive guide aims to raise autism awareness among practitioners by providing practical and easy-to-follow advice for adapting Forest School activities to cater to the unique needs of individuals with autism. Whether you are a seasoned Forest School practitioner or new to the field, this guide will provide valuable insights and strategies to enhance the experiences of learners with autism.

For those coming from a mainstream Forest School background, the author offers an insightful introduction to autism, showcasing how Forest School can uniquely benefit individuals with this condition, both children and adults. Through first-person accounts, the author highlights the successful experiences of individuals with autism in Forest School settings, emphasizing the social and sensory benefits that these activities offer.

The guide then delves into practical advice on safety considerations and offers step-by-step guidance on setting up a Forest School that is inclusive and accessible to learners with autism. It provides valuable insights on creating a supportive environment, implementing sensory-friendly practices, and adapting activities to meet the individual needs of learners with autism.

Furthermore, the guide presents a range of specific activities that can be incorporated into practitioners' routines to enhance the social, sensory, and cognitive development of learners with autism. These activities are designed to promote engagement, communication, and self-regulation, while also fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion within the Forest School community.

By leveraging the natural environment and the principles of Forest School, this guide empowers practitioners to create inclusive and transformative learning experiences for learners with autism. It serves as a valuable resource for educators, therapists, and parents seeking to enhance the well-being and development of individuals with autism through outdoor education.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785922916