Autism and Forest School (Second Edition) is a fully revised and expanded guide for Forest School leaders, educators, and practitioners working with autistic and neurodivergent participants. Reflecting major developments in understanding of autism, neurodiversity, and outdoor education, this edition brings together current research, practitioner expertise, and autistic lived experience.
Drawing on recent studies linking Forest School and autism support, the book explores key themes including sensory processing, executive function, monotropism, intrinsic motivation, and self-determination. Grounded in the principle of “Nothing About US, Without Us”, it centres autistic voices and reflects the growing number of neurodivergent practitioners within the Forest School community.
Practical, reflective, and internationally informed, this updated edition offers inclusive, evidence-based guidance for supporting both children and adults in Forest School settings.
Drawing on recent studies linking Forest School and autism support, the book explores key themes including sensory processing, executive function, monotropism, intrinsic motivation, and self-determination. Grounded in the principle of “Nothing About US, Without Us”, it centres autistic voices and reflects the growing number of neurodivergent practitioners within the Forest School community.
Practical, reflective, and internationally informed, this updated edition offers inclusive, evidence-based guidance for supporting both children and adults in Forest School settings.
Reviews
The book that anyone practising Forest School should read. Engagingly written by dedicated practitioners, with insightful additional content from those with lived experience, this joyful and impactful book encourages the reflexivity and inclusion that is desperately needed in our education system.
An essential guide to ensuring Forest School works as well as possible for Autistic participants. Building on decades of research and learning from the Autistic community, the authors show exactly why Forest School can be sotransformative for neurodivergent people.
The first edition transformed how many practitioners thought about inclusion, including myself. This second edition builds on that legacy beautifully, combining research, autistic lived experience, and practitioner expertise into an invaluable guide to truly inclusive Forest School practice.
With the growing awareness of autism and involvement of the autistic community in Forest School around the planet, this second addition of Forest School and Autism has come at just the right moment. Michael and Stefania, show us what the 7 principles of neurodiveristy-affirming practise can look like and be embodied in our practise in 2026. The book is inclusive and a beautiful blend of up to date thinking and guidance on practise. I particularly love their writing on autism and play and how the nature play movement has, in the past, stigmatised autistic play. The book goes on to demonstrate how play is a really important autistic process and how curiosity, with autistic examples of play at Forest School, is a fundamental for us all when becoming part of a community. For any outdoor/nature based practitioner this is a must for all our practise and for a healthy communities around the planet.