Gardening for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Special Educational Needs
Gardening for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Special Educational Needs
Engaging with Nature to Combat Anxiety, Promote Sensory Integration and Build Social Skills
A garden or nature setting presents the perfect opportunity forchildren with Autism Spectrum Disorders and special needs to learn,play and strengthen body and mind. This book empowers teachers andparents with little gardening know-how to get outside and use nature tomotivate young learners.
Using a mindfulness approach, Natasha Etherington presents a simplegardening program that offers learning experiences beyond those aspecial needs student can gain within the classroom. The book outlinesthe many positive physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional and socialbenefits of getting out into the garden and provides specially adaptedgardening activities for a variety of needs, including those withdevelopmental disabilities and behavioural difficulties, as well aswheelchair users. With a focus on the therapeutic potential of nature,the book shows that gardening can help reduce feelings of anxiety,provide an outlet for physical aggression, build self-esteem throughthe nurturing of plants and much more.
With this practical program, teachers and parents can easily adoptgardening activities into their schedules and enjoy the benefits ofintroducing children with special needs to nature and the rhythms ofthe seasons.
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Mindfulness Approach
3. Why Dig?
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder
5. Anxiety, Anger and Depression
6. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
7. Developmental Disability
8. Wheelchair Users
9. Poisonous Plants
10. Gardens for Children who Suffer from Asthma and Allergies
11. Conclusion
Appendix
Benefits of Horticultural Therapy as Listed in AHTA PositionPaper
Risk Assessment
Relaxation/Visualization Exercise for Deep Breathing
Recommended Resources
