If your child is on the spectrum, intense stimulation of the senses can create a negative response. For children on the spectrum, it's difficult to determine how sensory stimulation is going to affect them. That's where sensory gardens come in. Sensory gardens allow children to explore all five senses at their own pace. Here are some step-by-step instructions to create a sensory garden in your own backyard.

See the Sights

When planning a sensory garden, the colors you choose are important. It's through your choice of colors that your child will be able to explore the sense of sight. There are several different ways to incorporate color into your garden. One way is to choose plants that have a variety of colorful blossoms. Another way to is include colorful chairs and benches. By including chairs and benches in the design, you're providing your child with a place to sit and explore the sights around them.

Hear the Sounds

Sound is another important aspect of a sensory garden. There will be natural sounds inside the garden, such as the wind through the trees, or the chirping birds. However, the addition of sound features will provide additional sensory stimulation for your child to explore. One simple way to include additional sound is to hang windchimes throughout the garden. Try including several different types of windchimes to provide a variety of sounds. For instance, choosing different sizes and materials for your windchimes will increase the sounds that your child will be exposed to. Click here to learn more about where to buy windchimes online.

Touch the Textures

When choosing textures for your sensory garden, be sure to include several different types. Adding decorative glass stones to one area of the garden, coarse decorative bark to another area, and a water feature to yet another will allow your child to explore a variety of textures and feelings throughout he garden.

Experience the Tastes

A sensory garden is the perfect place to let your child explore their sense of taste. Try growing a variety of fruits and vegetables in the garden. With careful planning, you can have something growing in the garden for your child to taste throughout the year. Fruit trees and vegetable plants are a healthy and natural way for your child to explore their sense of taste, and enjoy a fun snack during the day.

Smell the Aromas

Finally, fill your child's sensory garden with a wide variety of aromas. Everything from the redwood bark you've placed on the walkway to the oranges growing on the trees will provide your child with a different aroma to experience.

If your child is on the spectrum, a sensory garden will help you introduce them to their senses without the fear of over-stimulation. 

Share