Playgrounds can be places for making great memories, but they can also be sources of over-stimulation for children. Many with autism or sensory processing disorders can find their sensory systems overloaded. Secluded, quiet spaces can offer a child overwhelmed by stimuli a place to escape and recover. The addition of an orientation path encompassing the play area helps to give children the chance to decide how much input they can absorb. Offering inclusive tables as well as benches can give caregivers a place to sit while watching, and can give a child a retreat when required. Shade structures grant protection from UV rays, to which some children can be especially sensitive.
Four Fundamentals for Inclusive Playground Design: Part 4