Education Communicative Disorders
Gardening for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Special Educational Needs
Engaging with Nature to Combat Anxiety, Promote Sensory Integration and Build Social Skills
- Publisher
- Jessica Kingsley Publishers
- Initial publish date
- Feb 2012
- Category
- Communicative Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Activities
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781849052788
- Publish Date
- Feb 2012
- List Price
- $24.95
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
Using a mindfulness approach, Natasha Etherington presents a simple gardening program that offers learning experiences beyond those a special needs student can gain within the classroom. The book outlines the many positive physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional and social benefits of getting out into the garden and provides specially adapted gardening activities for a variety of needs, including those with developmental disabilities and behavioural difficulties, as well as wheelchair 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 through the nurturing of plants and much more.
About the author
Contributor Notes
Natasha Etherington is a horticultural therapist and volunteer master gardener. She designs gardens and adapts horticultural activities to enable people with barriers to enjoy the experience of gardening. Her therapeutic garden design at Pitt Meadows Elementary School won the 2010 Accessibility and Leisure and Recreation Award from the City of Maple Ridge. She lives in British Columbia, Canada with her husband Jason and two children. Her website can be visited at www.experiencegardening.com.