Designing an Impactful Sensory Garden for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Interacting with nature is understood to improve physical, sensory, social, and emotional wellbeing. With a significant rise in diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, now more than ever it is important to provide these children and youth with carefully designed outdoor environments that meet their unique needs and increase the meaningfulness of their daily lives. This report describes the development and features of a newly installed sensory garden at The Els Center of Excellence in Florida.