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This 3-hour professional development session explores how nature-based early childhood education can serve as an inclusive, pro-social, and sensory-friendly intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Rooted in disability justice, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and the voices of children themselves, the workshop highlights the unique affordances of outdoor learning environments for fostering belonging, regulation, and authentic peer engagement.
Participants will examine current research on nature-based interventions for children with ASD, reflect on the importance of teacher preparation in inclusive practices, and explore how outdoor classrooms can naturally support executive functioning, communication, and agency. The session also challenges educators to move beyond token inclusion, centering children’s lived experiences, rights, and voices in both design and decision-making.
Ideal for early childhood educators, special education professionals, and outdoor learning practitioners, this session offers actionable strategies for transforming forest classrooms into equitable, empowering spaces for all learners.
This 3-hour professional development session explores how nature-based early childhood education can serve as an inclusive, pro-social, and sensory-friendly intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Rooted in disability justice, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and the voices of children themselves, the workshop highlights the unique affordances of outdoor learning environments for fostering belonging, regulation, and authentic peer engagement.
Participants will examine current research on nature-based interventions for children with ASD, reflect on the importance of teacher preparation in inclusive practices, and explore how outdoor classrooms can naturally support executive functioning, communication, and agency. The session also challenges educators to move beyond token inclusion, centering children’s lived experiences, rights, and voices in both design and decision-making.
Ideal for early childhood educators, special education professionals, and outdoor learning practitioners, this session offers actionable strategies for transforming forest classrooms into equitable, empowering spaces for all learners.