Children with ASD
How can a playground positively impact a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
How can a playground positively impact a child with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Playgrounds serve as ideal spaces for children with ASD to develop various skills and gain diverse experiences, including social interaction and sensory management. While therapy and educational programs play essential roles in helping children with ASD acquire crucial skills, playgrounds also contribute significantly to their learning and provide a fun environment for self-expression.
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Play is essential for all children, including those on the autism spectrum. The design choices of a playground can determine whether it is inclusive or exclusionary for these children. To effectively support and celebrate all kids in your community through playground design, it's crucial to understand considerations for autism.
For many children with autism, the following factors can influence their playground experience:
Social Interaction Challenges:
Interacting with peers may be challenging for children with autism. They may struggle with understanding social cues, effective communication, and initiating new friendships.
Elopement
Behaviours:
Approximately half of children with autism exhibit elopement behaviors, wandering off without supervision, which can cause concern for parents and caregivers.
Difficulty with Novel Experiences:
Many autistic children prefer familiar routines and surroundings, making it significant when they attempt new activities or use new playground equipment.
Impaired Gross
Motor Skills:
Challenges with balance and coordination are common in children with autism, impacting their ability to engage in various playground activities.
Sensory Processing Differences:
Many children with ASD experience sensory processing issues. They can become overwhelmed by excessive sensory input and may require a quiet retreat space.
Children at Khovd
Soft Play:
Khovd Soft Play offers a place of care and consideration but also with experienced staff to adapt the sensory levels to benefit each child.
How Does Our Indoor Playground Impact Peer Relationships?
Playgrounds play a pivotal role in nurturing social skills and friendships through peer interaction, yet for children with autism, these connections may not come as naturally. Inclusive playgrounds, however, hold the promise of promoting peer interactions for all children, including those with ASD.
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A compelling study illustrates this potential. Young boys with autism experienced remarkable social growth when transitioning from a conventional playground to one meticulously tailored to their unique needs. This specialised playground provided the ideal balance of physical challenges, encouraged imaginative play, and featured a well-structured layout with observation points where children could observe others at play until they felt at ease to join in.
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While autistic children may encounter difficulties in interacting with peers and forming friendships, it is essential to recognise that social interaction remains just as crucial for their development and well-being as it is for other children. Research unequivocally demonstrates that children with ASD are fully capable of forming friendships, and many express a strong desire for social connections. Instead of accepting social challenges as an inherent reality for these children, we should actively seek ways to facilitate peer interactions, enabling them to enjoy a rewarding social life on their terms.
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Inclusive playgrounds represent a significant stride towards nourishing peer relationships. By creating an environment where autistic children and those with diverse needs feel embraced and comfortable, these playgrounds empower them to engage with their peers. In doing so, they can cultivate lifelong friendships and acquire invaluable social skills that will continue to benefit them well into adulthood
How Does Autism Influence Playground Experiences?
Firstly, children with autism share fundamental desires with their peers: they want to have fun, learn, and feel a sense of belonging. While the ways they experience these desires may vary from child to child, these basic needs are universal.
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However, autistic children face specific challenges and have unique requirements that playground designers should consider when creating an autism-friendly playground design. It is essential to recognize that each child with autism is unique, and the condition manifests differently in each individual. For instance, some children may be nonverbal, while others can communicate effectively. What are some common aspects that most children with autism share?