Autism Society records most keynote and concurrent sessions at their annual conferences. You can see and hear those recordings by purchasing full online access, or individual recordings.
Registered attendees have free access, please select the button above for the file you would like to access.
Purchase AccessA new behavioral coding system developed in collaboration with Dr. Stephen Camarata at Vanderbilt University will be presented as a mechanism for capturing outcomes related to social participation, self-regulation and self-esteem.
More often today therapists and care givers look to cross-disciplinary, evidence-based research to support their decisions in play environment planning and design as well as behavioral outcomes that will result in successful experiences for children and families that will come and enjoy the play garden.
A well-planned sensory-rich playground and garden will allow children with developmental disorders to develop the strong sensory and motor systems that are so vital for their futures. This ground breaking research examines the outcomes attained by children, therapists and families experiencing the play space as a natural setting for rich, multi-sensory dynamic occupational therapy interactions.
As a post-occupancy study this research contributes to the evidence-based practice of designing sensory play spaces and gardens to elicit the positive treatment outcomes as attained in a clinical treatment setting.
Allowing every child to experience the joy and thrill of sensory-motor play transforms play environments into amazing spaces where children can develop their bodies, brains and self-esteem, laying the groundwork for healthy, fulfilling lives.
Upon completion of this session participants will be able to:
1. Overview research on outcomes of treating developmental disorders in the context of a 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 schools, early childhood and therapeutic play environments.
Learning Objectives:
Track: Life Stage 2 - School Age
Content Area: Social Connections
Ingrid M. Kanics, MOT, OTR/L
Kanics Inclusive Design Services, LLC
John McConkey, MBA, CPSI
Landscape Structures