چكيده به لاتين
Considering the growing trend of patients with autism spectrum disorder in the world and Iran and the lack of suitable spaces for children with autism in Iran and also the importance of playgrounds for the development of social relationships in children with autism, this study is a set of guidelines and practical elements to design a playground and garden therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders with an educational approach and their sensory empowerment.
The method of this research is a combination of quantitative and qualitative and descriptive and analytical strategies have been used in it. A significant part of the data was collected through library and documentary study method, based on references review as well as documents related to the field of children's play space, nature schools and the needs of children with autism in particular. Then, with the help of field studies, especially questionnaires and conducting interviews and observations, data were collected. Data extracted from library resources were analyzed by content analysis method and data related to the interview were observed by descriptive method. The data extracted from the questionnaires were finally analyzed using the relevant software.
At first, the literature of healing gardens, sensory gardens and adventure playgrounds were examined. In addition, tips on the effects of nature on stress and health consequences and theories about why nature is restorative were included in the literature review. The nature of autism, its characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, deficiencies and needs of autistic children and current treatment methods used today were studied. It was also determined which of these therapies could be effective in the external environment.
Because the study focused on outdoor spaces and playgrounds for children with autism spectrum disorders, case studies of global and internal experiences designed for children were examined.
Informal interviews with parents and professionals who work with autistic children on a daily basis provide insight into their treatment methods, inclinations, moods, and needs, followed by a field study and questions from the professionals they work with. The parents of these children provided first-hand information about the nature of autism and the implementation of therapies.
Based on an extensive literature review, case studies, informal observations and interviews, and field study, design guidelines were developed, followed by a proposal based on these guidelines for designing a garden therapy and playground for children with autism spectrum disorders with an educational approach. Sensory empowerment was provided. Finally, based on the findings of this study, the essential elements of treatment gardens such as color, scale and size, land slope, spatial organization, plants, etc, and the mechanism of action of treatment gardens as an adjunct therapy for children with autism and appropriate treatments for children with autism spectrum disorders and their design strategies are presented in detail.
