Introduction; 1. What is Forest School?; 2. What is Autism?; 3. The Benefits of Forest School; 4. Preparation! Preparation! Preparation!; 5. Communication; 6. Social Interaction; 7. Forest School and the Sensory Environment; 8. Staying Safe; 9. Setting Up a Forest School; 10. Forest School Activities; Resources
Forest School's innovative outdoor approach offers specific benefits to learners with autism, including increased social skills, raised self-esteem and improved sensory function. This guide raises autism awareness amongst practitioners by providing practical and easy-to-follow advice for adapting Forest School activities for those with autism.
For those coming from a mainstream Forest School background, the author offers an introduction to autism and shows what Forest School can offer people with autism - both children and adults - with first-person accounts that highlight its success with this group. The guide gives advice on the social and sensory benefits, offers practical advice on safety and on how to set up a Forest School and finally presents specific activities to be incorporated into practitioners' routines.
Market: Forest School and outdoor education practitioners; Education professionals incorporating Forest School approaches into their schools including early years level professionals; Autism services, parents of and professionals working with autistic learners