Episode
Ep 222 - The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander
- Podcast
- The Forest School Podcast
- Published
- Jul 25, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3467
- Processing state
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Summary
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 Holland Enjoy 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 Timings 00:00 – Shouting sparrowhawks and reptilian parent brains 03:30 – Jeweled slugs and ceramic plant pot friends 04:07 – Introducing The Joys and Shapes of Autistic Play by Max Alexander 06:03 – Why it’s accessible, shareable, and belongs in your backpack 06:58 – What the book is : eight play shapes and how to support them 08:29 – Play shapes vs. play types: where Bob Hughes meets inner worlds 10:44 – What counts as valid play, and what we sometimes dismiss 15:14 – Pancake stacking, poisoned cakes, and joyful repetition 22:30 – Relational mapping and understanding bodies as play resources 32:21 – Voice as a se…