Autism Nest Model: An Inclusive Education Framework for Autistic Children

The Autism Nest Model is the much-praised program adopted by the New York City public school system that has successfully educated thousands of autistic children and their neurotypical peers over the past two decades. The second edition describes the people, processes, program structures and strategies essential for producing strong, positive educational outcomes for autistic children. Also adopted by the top-ranked Danish school system, this well-researched and evidenced-based model incorporates illustrations of strategies for addressing common areas of difficulty such as sensory functioning, social development and self-regulation, and builds on areas of strength. Its comprehensive approach is lauded by families, students, teachers, therapists and school leaders alike. By laying out the process of developing the model, its philosophy, strategies, and practical examples, the second edition of The Autism Nest Model makes this successful approach available to a wide audience.

Formulated in response to the severe shortage of educational programs for school-age autistic children, the Nest Model helps schools create inclusive settings in which children engage comfortably and successfully.

This new edition has three parts. Part One highlights the foundational strategies and supports of the model during its first ten years, including the partnership between the New York City Public Schools and the Nest Model developers. Part Two describes the ongoing development and evolution of the program across the following 10 years, with a focus on neurodiversity-affirming practices, including what the authors have learned from the autistic community, updated research, and changes in the field. Part Three presents challenges to scaling the model, and considerations for responding to those challenges, while highlighting the outstanding successes of the program across two decades.