Gardening for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Special Educational Needs ─ Engaging With Nature to Combat Anxiety, Promote Sensory Integration and Build Social Skills

Presents a program for teachers and parents to use to incorporate gardening into the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and discusses the numerous positive physical, cognitive, sensory, social and emotional benefits gained from the activity. Original.

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.