International Asperger's Day, 18 February 2018
International Asperger's Day aims to highlight the significance of Asperger syndrome in relation to the autism spectrum and the impact of this on individuals living with the condition.
Asperger syndrome, named after Dr Hans Asperger, was officially recognised as being separate from autism in the 1994 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders. The separate distinctions arose from differences in speech development, tested IQ and the late onset of social skills. In May 2013, however, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders updated the separate diagnoses and replaced them with Autism Spectrum Disorder, with rankings between 1 and 3 depending on severity and support needs.According to Social Care Foundation Australia, approximately 1 in 100 Australians have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. More than 21.7 million people are estimated to be directly affected by autism worldwide.For information about autism spectrum disorder and its symptoms, see our article on Gardens for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For information regarding the benefits of therapeutic gardens for children with autism spectrum disorder, Therapeutic Gardens Australia has published an e-Resource Design Principles for Creating Therapeutic Gardens for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This comprehensive resource details design principles, tips, and plant suggestions for creating a therapeutic garden for children with autism spectrum disorder, and recently received a positive review from Dr Amy Wagenfeld, co-author of Therapeutic Gardens: Design for Healing Spaces:
'Design Principles for Creating Therapeutic Gardens for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is an engaging and detailed resource for anyone interested in creating an outdoor space for individuals with autism. Joanne's heartfelt commitment to the value of this aspect of therapeutic gardening is evident.'
- Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, FAOTA
Principal , design+cOnsulTation
SourcesAutism SpeaksAutism Spectrum AustraliaYour Health Link