RESEARCH

Gardening as Meditation for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Program Design Guidelines for Recreational Therapy

This project presents a program design for recreational therapy, integrating gardening and meditation as therapeutic interventions for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Children/Youth, Neurodevelopmental Differences

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings, Natural Areas/Parks/Forest

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Sensory Stimulation, Increased Social Engagement & Skills

Allied Profession Intersections: Recreational Therapy

Type of Activity: Sensory Stimulation, Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Qualitative Research, Theses & Dissertations

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health

Access: Free

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Summary

The study highlights the limited physical activity participation among adolescents with ASD and proposes a therapeutic gardening and meditation program to address their unique needs. Grounded in recreational therapy principles, the program is designed to promote physical activity, sensory engagement, and social inclusion within an outdoor setting. The author emphasizes that community centers often lack specialized resources to support youth with ASD, making nature-based interventions a valuable alternative.

The program framework includes structured gardening tasks, guided meditation, and mindfulness exercises tailored to enhance emotional regulation, communication skills, and well-being. Findings suggest that combining horticultural therapy with meditation can create a calming, supportive environment that fosters self-expression, stress reduction, and personal growth. The study advocates for greater accessibility of outdoor therapeutic programs for individuals with disabilities

Link

Van Der Valk, V. (2022). Gardening as Meditation for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Program Design Guidelines for Recreational Therapy – ProQuest. Www.proquest.com.

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