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2016 Autumn | Education & Outreach

Expanding Inclusivity in Environmental Education to Accommodate Students with Autism

Student(s):

Kristen Smith

Program or Department(s):

  • Program on the Environment
  • University of Washington

Site supervisor(s):

Nat Mengist

Partner(s):

  • Seattle Tilth

Faculty advisor(s):

Kristi Straus, Program on the Environment, University of Washington

A diverse body of students participate in environmental education but some aspects of these programs are not conducive to the way students with autism learn. The purpose of my study was to determine how environmental educators can help students with autism succeed. I worked as an instructor in Seattle Tilth’s Children’s Garden and researched teaching practices appropriate for students with autism. I also administered an online survey to a group of environmental educators. By combining my results, I identified fundamental practices for accommodating autistic students. Inclusive teaching practices are crucial in environmental education so all children can benefit from these experiences.