Chelsey King, a Kansas State University graduate student in landscape architecture, is researching a school playground that targets kids with autism. King, working with professor, Katie Kingery-Page, explained, “My main goal was to provide different opportunities for children with autism to be able to interact in their environment without being segregated from the rest of the school.” One of the features of the schoolyard is a place where children with autism can go when feeling stressed or over-stimulated. There are sensory areas that include a music garden where students can play outdoor instruments, an edible garden for horticulture therapy, a sensory playground, and a butterfly garden. While this is still in the research stage, King researched the project using Amanda Arnold Elementary School, a Manhattan KS magnet school for kids with autism, as a foundation.
Read original article: KSU Researcher Designs a Schoolyard for Children with Autism
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Dec 4, 2009 by Anonymousanorexia anorexia nervosa attention autism awareness gardening therapy horse non-biologic
School
Aug 31, 2009 by AnonymousWe are a special school for children on the autism spectrum and typical developing siblings. Our arts based educational and sensory curriculum and mixed age classrooms provide a way for all children to actively participate within a supportive atmosphere. In this tranquil setting each child feels a sense of belonging, friendship, and the opportunity to experience the magic of childhood.
*Philosophy & Curriculum:
We offer a holistic approach in which the connection between school, home, service providers, and community becomes collaboration where each member is connected with a natural ease. Jordan Lake School of the Arts offers an individual curriculum for all students in a retreat like setting. Having a five students to one teacher ratio, and small class size we can provide attention to each child. Multi-age classrooms offer a stress free environment to learn in both roles as guide and apprentice. While children on the spectrum benefit from observing peers and having a structured means of learning social skills, typical developing siblings grow from experiential education and the support of friends who truly understand and share similar experiences. Different is normal here. At JLSA, we all understand and are respectful and supportive of one another. We have local artists participating in workshops as well as rotating their artwork in our space. Our art shows offer an opportunity for families to socialize without anxiety, and students to experience large group functions in the company of compassionate people while meeting inspiring members of the community. Our amenities include an enormous tropical greenhouse, courtyard, and outdoor class space, as well as a home like educational setting.
Parents and grandparents are welcome and encouraged to participate in the day. Workshops and afternoons with community speakers are great opportunities for families to share in experiences together at school and we all benefit from the communication and shared experiences that flow from school to home. Parents are also invited to join us for nature hikes and gardening, and to bring their talents and teach us about their specialty. We hope adults will take painting or yoga classes offered in the building, or enjoy hiking trails and the lake, assured that your children are being compassionately cared for and well educated.
www.jordanlakesa.com
919-672-4281