Students on the autism spectrum often need direct instruction in areas that come more naturally for other children – play and recreation skills are among them.

“Recreation skills open the door to friendships,” said Brian Detlefsen.

Students need to know how to ride a bike, swim, play a board game, use a climbing wall, and even walk on a nature trail if they are going to do those things with friends. At The Forum School, the curriculum emphasizes FUNctional recreation skills that students can use over a lifetime.

“We have fun, but we take this part of the instructional day very seriously,” added Brian. “When a friend or sibling says ‘let’s play,’ we want our students to be ready with the skills they need to be part of the action.”