Ideas for a Safer and More Accessible Backyard for Children on the Autism Spectrum

If you have a child on the autism spectrum, you likely know that they can greatly benefit from spending time outside. However, it can also be challenging, whether you’re worried about your child wandering off, struggling to get them engaged in activities, or dealing with any number of other issues. That’s why it’s so important to tailor your backyard to the needs of your child on the spectrum. Here are some ideas from Realty Navigator to get you started.

Making It Safe

First things first: make any necessary changes to increase safety in your backyard.

• Start by putting up a fence to help prevent your child from wandering off.
• Also, consider installing an alarm on your gate door.
• Large tree branches should be pruned back to keep them from falling in play areas. Trees that are dead or nearly dead and at risk of falling should be removed completely from your yard. A tree removal company can perform both of these tasks for you (use a site like Angi.com to find a local professional).
• Create a safe and functional backyard layout (e.g., fountains, benches, bird feeders, etc.), and don’t change it once it’s established.

Making It Fun

It’s also important to add some fun to your backyard!

• Doing backyard biology and making exploding baggies are fun science experiments you can do with your child in the backyard.
• Building a treehouse can provide your child with endless hours of fun.
• Setting up a bird watching station and/or camping out in your backyard are other fun activities to consider.

Making it Relaxing

Making changes to promote relaxation can also help your child enjoy your backyard.

• According to Artsy, drawing and other forms of art can be calming for children who deal with overstimulation, so set up a station for your child to use chalk or washable paint.
• Building a gazebo or putting a bench in your yard can provide a safe place for your child to retreat to when necessary. Benches are easy to build with a kit from a company like Adams.
• Planting a garden can also do wonders for relaxation.

Outdoor playtime is critical for all children in their developmental journey, but this is particularly the case for children on the spectrum. Consider any changes you can make to your backyard so that it’s safer, more fun, and more relaxing for your child. That way, you can have everything you need for a good time right at home!

Image via Pexels

  ~~~      ~~~      ~~~      ~~~      ~~~      ~~~      ~~~      ~~~      ~~~      ~~~      ~~~

The Author: Suzie Wilson has been an interior designer for over 20 years. She created Happier Home as a side project to help everyone she can style their home stress free.

   Realty Navigator is a full-service, independently owned, and operated real estate brokerage with offices in Annapolis and Chester, MD. We provide customized real estate listing services, residential homes, and land for sale from Brandywine, Prince George's County, to Kent Island and in Talbot, Caroline, Queen Anne's County. Trusted and experienced agents are standing by to discuss your real estate transaction. Call or click today at 443-256-3773 or 410-643-3404. If you need to speak to the Broker, Petra Quinn, call 443-600-1986.