Play Equipment & Autism

In recognition of April as Autism Awareness Month, Landscape Structures inclusive play specialist and occupational therapist Ariel Mansholt, OTD, OTR/L, CPSI, discusses what to look for in outdoor playground equipment when taking a child with autism out to play. This article was published in Recreation Management.

Ariel notes that every child with autism engages with the playground differently and that what feels calming and enjoyable for one child may be overwhelming or distressing for another. She suggests that equipment that supports sensory regulation, encourages engagement, and helps build certain skills can be especially beneficial for children on the autism spectrum.