The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

More than just play, children with developmental disorders benefit from strategically designed sensory gardens and playgrounds. This study evaluated the outcomes of outdoor play using a multiple baseline research design. The lessons are applicable to future sensory treatment within the context of therapy centers, schools and public parks and playgrounds. Session Title

Learning Objectives:

1. Review research outcomes of treating developmental disorders in the context of sensory garden/playground.
2. Identify elements of landscape design that facilitate self-regulation and social participation for all children and contribute to a quality experience in sensory playgrounds/gardens.
3. Discuss research findings from this project, which go beyond playground design, and have implications for architecture and landscape architecture in general.

Session Outline

Overview of the Research Project

1. The need for evidence-based research in landscape design

2. Review theoretical issues related to landscape design and playground design as discussed by Messervy (date) and other landscape architects

3. Understand the need for landscape architects and architects to design simply beyond what code and federal legislation (ADA) requires.

4. Discuss the development of the sensory garden and sensory playground at STAR Center (Denver, CO)

5. Provide the methodology for the pilot study, a noncurrent multi-probe multiple baseline research design, highlighting strengths and limitations of this research method

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and other Developmental Disabilities

1. Brief definition with videotaped examples of the subtypes of SPD and other prevalent developmental disorders such as Autism and ADHD.

2. Examples of treatment of SPD and other developmental disorders in the sensory garden and the sensory playground with an emphasis on specific elements of design that successfully support and enhance the treatment techniques and rehabilitation process.

Elements of Design that enhance the quality of experience for the child and family in the outdoor play yards and playgrounds:  What the research data has shown about the value of sensory landscape features for all children as well as for treating children with developmental issues including:

1. The olfactory garden to awaken the senses,

2. The touch garden to appreciate the power of touch,

3. The visual garden to become mindful of color,

4. The “Time Inn” to recover self-control,

5. The “High Starbase” to envision and dream,

6. The “Cosmic Tree” to ground or stabilize

7. The “Secret Grove” to communicate with another

8. The “Simple Paths” a place to explore

9. The “Primitive Hut”, a quiet shelter

Elements of Playground elements that contribute to quality of experience for the child and family:  What the research data has shown about the value of various playground element

1. The moving elements for location in space

2. The tactile elements for body awareness

3. The proprioceptive activities for muscles and joints

4. The visual elements for space and form

5. The auditory elements for discriminating sound

Advantages of Qualitative and Multiple Baseline Research designs in developing an evidence base for landscape design and playgrounds

1. Brief description of qualitative and/or multiple baseline research designs that would be useful for landscape research

   1. Non-concurrent designs

   2. Multiple probe designs

2. Discussion of the research findings from this project goes beyond playground design, and has implications for architecture and landscape architecture in general.

Learning Objectives: