Sensory Garden Preferences for Autism Spectrum: Insights from Psychologists and Urban Designers

Authors

Maram Adel Ebaid

Abstract

Sensory gardens are outdoor environment that stimulate the senses and promote well-being for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In Egypt, there is an absence of gardens, compounded by a limited understanding of the design principles aligned with the needs of people with ASD. The research explores sensory garden features and the specific challenges faced by people with ASD. To bridge this gap, the methodology depends on qualitative approach through interviews with psychology and urban design experts. The results highlight the correlation between prevalent strategies among people with ASD and the elements of sensory gardens, considering both soft and hard scape. The research assigns a relative weight to each landscape element based on perceived preference for people with ASD. The research concludes with recommendations for designing inclusive outdoor spaces tailored to the needs of people with ASD, the research contributes to the establishment of inclusive sensory gardens in Egypt.

Recommended Citation

Adel Ebaid, Maram (2024) "Sensory Garden Preferences for Autism Spectrum: Insights from Psychologists and Urban Designers," Journal of Engineering Research: Vol. 8: Iss. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/erjeng/vol8/iss2/5