Project Statement

Outdoor natural environments and social activities in parks hold profound significance for children with autism. 

However, both children with autism and their parents often experience anxious and uneasy when visiting parks. 

Our structured intervention system, paired with practical and engaging tools, aims to gently guide children with autism from indoor settings to outdoor park environments. This process helps them adapt to a variety of social and natural spaces.

Every child with autism has the potential and the right to be included in society. With this design, we aim to create a seamless pathway between indoor spaces and outdoor parks, creating opportunities for children with autism to enjoy the freedom and joy of playing outdoors.

Project Narrative

Project Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. 

The number of children diagnosed with autism has been increasing steadily in recent years. This group faces unique challenges during development, particularly in adapting to outdoor environments and integrating into society. Through in-depth conversations with parents and teachers, we discovered their shared desire for the children to leave the confines of indoor spaces, experience nature, and participate in social activities in parks.

However, this process is often accompanied by significant challenges such as anxiety, fear, and adaptation difficulties.

To address these obstacles, we designed a specialized set of teaching tools and an intervention system to help children with autism overcome these barriers and ultimately "embrace the park".

Project Significance 

Children with autism are a vulnerable group that requires dedicated attention and support.

Their development impacts not only the well-being of their families but also the broader goals of social inclusivity and equity.

By introducing scientifically designed intervention tools that seamlessly connect indoor activities with park environments, we provide holistic developmental support for children with autism.

Through innovative design, we aim to help these children integrate into society, improve their social skills and quality of life, and contribute to building a more inclusive community.

Project Objectives

1.Facilitate the gradual transition of children with autism from indoor spaces to parks, helping them adapt to diverse environments.

2.Provide practical tools and guidance for parents, enabling them to effectively participate in their child’s developmental interventions and strengthen parent-child relationships.

3.Through park-based activities and social training, foster connections between children with autism, their peers, parents, and society, thereby enhancing social participation and quality of life.

Design Strategies

1.Integrate multiple training components into a single teaching tool.

2.Design the tool as a board game, allowing parents and children to engage in role-playing and social training during play.

3.Incorporate park elements into the tool to help children transition more comfortably into park environments.

Exhibition and Outreach Achievements 

· To date, 8 families with children with autism have extensively used the teaching tools, and 20 families have experienced the interactive cards.

· Our design was showcased at a design exhibition in Macao, attracting over 10,000 visitors, raising awareness of the needs of children with autism.

Future Outlook

1.Deepen Collaboration: Partner with more special education institutions, advocacy groups, and nonprofit organizations to promote our teaching tools and cards, benefiting more families affected by autism.

2.Expand Impact: Develop additional intervention content and explore its applicability to more scenarios, enabling more personalized and diverse support for children with autism.

3.Host Workshops: Engage designers and special education professionals through workshops that encourage innovation and collaboration in autism-friendly design.

4.Promote Social Inclusion: Use exhibitions, media, and the app to raise public awareness of children with autism, creating a more inclusive and supportive social environment.