Sensory garden design proposal for children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Autistic people need sensory gardens specially designed for them to improve psychologically and physically. It also helps them get able to participate in society. The aim of the present study was to plan the close environment of the İnönü University Foundation Special Education and Rehabilitation Center (IFSER) as a sensory garden for children with autism and develop a design proposal in this direction. The working process consisted of a field survey and analysis, the determination of user requests and needs, together with the development of a sensory garden design proposal. In addition, the plant and structural design features of the study area were evaluated in terms of landscape design, thanks to the interviews with the centre staff. The usability of the outdoor conditions of this centre by children with disabilities was also examined. In addition, to determine the wishes and needs of users with autism, a survey was conducted with the parents of the disabled individuals who came to the centre together with the existing literature research and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the directors and staff in the study area. At the last stage of the study, a Needs Program for the users was also prepared. Finally, these design components and applications of the prepared project were transferred to the plan plane. Consequently, it appears that the Park and Garden Directorates of the relevant municipalities and the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization in Turkey need to consider the sensory aspect while designing disabled gardens, especially for autistic children.