Ep 222 - The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander

In this warm and wonderfully meandering episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem dive into The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander. Nestled among tangents about shouting sparrowhawks, jewel-encrusted slugs, and beloved sticks, they explore how Max's taxonomy of autistic play shapes offers both validation and practical insights for outdoor educators. Together, they unpack play types like pancake stacking, relational mapping, and object harmonising, and reflect on how this lens supports more inclusive, curious, and non-judgemental practice. The conversation touches on inner worlds, the limits of Bob Hughes’ taxonomy, and the value of reframing behaviours through a neurodivergent-affirming perspective. With humour, honesty, and deep respect for Max’s work, this episode is a love letter to the strange, sincere, and silly world of play.🎁 Sponsored by Tentsile and Chris HollandEnjoy 10% off Tentsile tree tents with the code ForestChildren10 – perfect for immersive outdoor sessions.Get Chris Holland’s 54-page plant guide at a discounted rate using the code on his site:https://chrisholland.myshopify.com/?ref=ForestSchoolPodcast⏱ Chapter Timings00:00 – Shouting sparrowhawks and reptilian parent brains03:30 – Jeweled slugs and ceramic plant pot friends04:07 – Introducing The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander06:03 – Why it’s accessible, shareable, and belongs in your backpack06:58 – What the book is: eight play shapes and how to support them08:29 – Play shapes vs. play types: where Bob Hughes meets inner worlds10:44 – What counts as valid play, and what we sometimes dismiss15:14 – Pancake stacking, poisoned cakes, and joyful repetition22:30 – Relational mapping and understanding bodies as play resources32:21 – Voice as a sensory toy and reframing 'disruptive' behaviours40:31 – Object harmonising, companionship with sticks, and the story of a ruby-red brake light52:27 – Nesting as a verb, den conflicts, and design implications for Forest School spaces58:12 – Sincerity + silliness = play; where this book belongs in your CPD journey🌲 KeywordsAutistic play, Max Alexander, play shapes, Bob Hughes, Forest School, inclusive practice, neurodivergent affirmation, relational mapping, object harmonising, nesting, voice as a sensory toy, pancake stacking, playwork, non-judgemental education, play taxonomies, play diaries, observation🔖 Hashtags#ForestSchool #AutisticPlay #PlayShapes #InclusiveEducation #NeurodivergentAffirming #Playwork #ObjectHarmonising #VoiceAsSensoryToy #PancakeStacking #ForestSchoolPodcast #NatureBasedLearning #ChildLedPlay #OutdoorEducation #RelationalMapping #ReflectivePractice🌐 More Episodes & SupportListen to more and access resources at ⁠www.theforestschoolpodcast.com⁠Support the show and join our community at ⁠www.patreon.com/theforestschoolpodcast⁠For questions, feedback, or collaboration: ⁠[email protected]