Play space design in autism

Abstract

Play is defined as behavior that is “freely chosen, personally directed and intrinsically motivated,” a definition drawn from Playwork Principles (PPSG 2005). It is a human right (UNCRC 1989), so it is incumbent on community facilities, notably schools and local authorities, to provide suitably designed spaces for children to be able to play. Play space design for children (and indeed adults) with autism has to involve consideration of what is “suitable” for the capacities and motivations of this group. This entry covers considerations of outdoor play space for primarily school-aged children. It does not cover play as in gaming and touches only briefly on virtual spaces.Yu