A 2008 study by Temple University found that sensory integration therapy helped children with autistic spectrum disorders to display fewer autistic mannerisms such as repetitive movements or actions and highly structured interests. In fact, 91% of parents of children with autism have found sensory integration methods of treatment more helpful than traditional treatments. They found their children to be reaching more of their goals and progressing in areas of social behavior and functional motor tasks.
One particular group, KidSense, is taking this information and running with it. The group, through sponsorship and private donations, is building sensory playgrounds for children with condition such as autism and ADHD. One of their current projects, The Pilot Yard, boasts equipment stations, natural stations and multi-sensory features.
According to the KidSense web site, equipment stations “offer very specific types of either hard work or sets of movement that are needed to fulfill students’ sensory diets”. Natural stations featuring plants and rolling hills work as a calming force, and are also an area for imagination to grow. The multi-sensory features of the playground include murals and pathways that offer teachable moments through the sense of touch.
There’s also a rock wall tunnel, a climbing structure, curved benches, a balance beam and a multi-sensory wall. Each area of the playground offers a learning opportunity for the children and is helping each of them to overcome their own personal challenges by working out their sensory overload and learning self-regulation. KidSense believes that this will lead to a better education inside the classroom as well. And since about 1 in 20 children deals with attention issues that can affect their education, KidSense could be on track to helping thousands of children.
You can help KidSense expand these opportunities to more children by donating to the cause. You can also purchase jewelry or engraved bricks and stones as well.