Making Your Backyard Safe, Sensory-Friendly, and Calming for Your Child on the Autism Spectrum

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If you’re a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you likely know firsthand some of the challenges that come with playtime. Whether it’s with you or other children, your child may struggle to play with others due to a loss of interest in directives or because they engage in repetitive, isolating acts of play.


Nonetheless, playtime is critical in teaching children on the spectrum essential developmental skills. And when they play outside, they get the added benefits of nature. So, if you’re wanting to make your backyard a safe, accessible play zone for your child on the autism spectrum, we’ve provided you with some helpful information.


Softscaping and Hardscaping
Nothing is more important than safety when it comes to customizing your backyard to accommodate your child’s needs. By incorporating living and nonliving elements, you can make your backyard safer than ever.

• Make sure your backyard provides plenty of open space for your child to run and explore. Even if you put in a garden, you want the garden to provide open space.
• Since children on the spectrum are often prone to wander, installing a fence is one of the first things you should do for your backyard. Always work with reputable and insured contractors and insist on a detailed estimate.
• You can also enforce boundaries by including soft structures like hedges and trees.
• Building a gazebo can provide your child with a place to relax safely.
• Basic lawn maintenance can go a long way in ensuring your child’s safety as well.

Sensory Activities
Along with changing your yard’s landscaping, be sure to look into various sensory activities for your child to enjoy outside.

• Making a backyard hot air balloon is a great educational activity to do with your child.
• Water activities, such as car wash play or making foam noodle boats, are very versatile in their sensory possibilities.
• Putting in a sensory garden is another way for your child to engage multiple senses, as the plants and insects can provide opportunities for new sights, sounds, and smells.

A Place for Retreating
Along with play, your child on the spectrum may need a place where they can escape overstimulation and enjoy solitude from time to time.

• Installing a swing set or cocoon swing can provide your child with a safe place to get away and calm down.
• Building a playhouse is another way to give your child somewhere to go when they need a moment of seclusion.
• By creating an outdoor reading nook, your child can enjoy solitude while also learning and fostering their developmental skills.
• One solution for providing your child with a place to retreat is to pitch a sensory tent in the backyard; that way, you can easily set it up and take it down as weather permits.

All children need outdoor play, but it comes with special benefits for those on the autism spectrum. Utilize softscaping and hardscaping to increase the safety of your backyard, and think of any activities that will engage your child’s senses. Finally, brainstorm ideas for creating a backyard retreat for your child when they need to get away from overstimulation.


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