In every country, everywhere in the world, there is a shared belief that playgrounds should be for everyone to enjoy. They are almost always in an easily accessible park and they are always free. However, by extension of this thinking, playgrounds should also be equally accessible by children with disabilities and special needs. This is where some areas fall short. Playgrounds are an integral part of childhood, offering opportunities for socialization, play, and physical activity. However, traditional playgrounds can be overwhelming for children with autism due to their tendency to wander off, sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and the need for structured play. Making playgrounds more inclusive ensures that all children can enjoy a safe and engaging play environment, regardless of their abilities. At Monarch House we can help by working with you on the advocacy of inclusive playground features in your community. 

Here are ten ways to build inclusive playgrounds for children with autism in Mississauga.

• Fenced And Secure Areas 

It’s not uncommon for children with autism to wander out of the play area and into more dangerous parts of the park, such onto the streets with traffic. In traditional playgrounds, safety is a significant concern for parents of children with neurodivergence, as they don’t seem to stay put. Inclusive playgrounds are fully enclosed with secure fencing and controlled entry points. This structure ensures children can play safely while giving parents and caregivers peace of mind.

• Sensory-Friendly Play Areas 

Traditional playgrounds might have textures that are too rough, slides that are too cold (or hot) and metal surfaces that are too loud. This can be overwhelming for children with autism, as they often experience sensory sensitivities. An inclusive playground would feature sensory-friendly elements such as plastic slides, soft textured play panels, water play features, and musical instruments. This allows children to engage in sensory exploration in a controlled and enjoyable way.

• Quiet Zones 

At some traditional playgrounds you can barely hear yourself think. Cacophanous, loud shrieking, yelling and bustling, crowded areas can be overwhelming for children with autism. When considering an inclusive playground, be mindful of quiet spaces with soft surfaces, shaded seating, and calming elements like benches or small hideaways. This offers children with autism a safe sanctuary when they need a break from sensory stimulation.

• Inclusive Play Equipment

Children with autism need different types of play equipment that are designed with special needs in mind. When there is a new, inclusive playground being built, offering a variety of play equipment that accommodates different abilities is essential. Some examples of activities for children with autism and other disabilities include adaptive seesaws, sensory-friendly swings, low-impact merry-go-rounds, and climbing structures with a variety of difficulty levels that allow children of all abilities to participate in play.

• Community Involvement And Awareness

It’s one thing to have new equipment that reflects the needs of children with autism, and another for other parents to know why it is there in the first place. A little information and instruction can go a long way. Educating the community about the importance of inclusive play spaces fosters understanding and acceptance. At Monarch House, we can help you with this component by facilitating the hosting of autism-friendly play sessions, workshops, and awareness campaigns. This all works toward creating a more supportive and inclusive playground culture.

• Clear Signage And Visual Supports

There are plenty of visual learners out there. For example, many children with autism benefit from visual cues. They prefer to receive instruction and gain understanding through a structured, concrete format. At inclusive playgrounds, it is imperative to install clear, easy-to-understand signage with pictures or symbols that can help children navigate the playground more independently. The idea of guiding play can be facilitated more easily through visual schedules and step-by-step instructions.

• Predictable And Structured Play Options

Do you find that your child fixates on a certain element in a playground, such as the tire swing, and doesn’t deviate from that piece of equipment? Children with autism often thrive in structured environments and they gravitate towards routine. This is why an inclusive playground would include guided play elements such as activity stations with interactive panels, clear instructions, or themed play zones. This helps to create a more comfortable and predictable experience.

• Varied Seating And Social Spaces 

A playground should also have places for children that want to take a break from play. Immersing oneself in the various playground equipment takes a lot of energy and not all children engage in active play all the time. This is why an inclusive playground would provide various seating options, such as benches, picnic tables, and semi-enclosed spaces. This allows children to stop, take breaks, observe, and socialize at their own pace.

• Soft And Safe Flooring 

One of the new features that you see at inclusive playgrounds are rubber chips on the ground that make for a softer landing off the monkey bars and other equipment. It is not uncommon for many children with autism to have difficulties with coordination and balance, and this makes it easier for them to use the equipment safely. Additionally, by using rubberized surfaces, artificial grass, or other impact-absorbing materials, one can safely minimize the risk of injury. Not only that, it provides a comfortable surface for children who may prefer to crawl or sit on the equipment. 

• Trained Staff Or Volunteers 

At traditional playgrounds, and even at some traditional pools, you won’t see any staff, lifeguards, or other people around to offer guidance or support. One of the suggestions that we make at Monarch House is for an inclusive playground to have staff or volunteers trained in autism awareness on site. It can make a significant difference in how comfortable and adaptable your child will be in this new setting. These trained individuals can help guide interactions, support children in play, and ensure that the environment remains inclusive and welcoming.

You want your child to feel included when there is a new addition to the community. By being proactive, we can work together to ensure that any new playground developments in your community are mindful of the specific needs of children with autism. By implementing the ten strategies outlined above, playgrounds can become safer for children with autism and more inclusive to those with special needs as a whole. This will ensure that all children have equal opportunities to play, explore, and build social connections. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help with the early planning and suggestion stages. A well-designed inclusive playground benefits all children with autism in Mississauga by promoting empathy, diversity, and shared experiences in play.