For autistic children who are not academically inclined, it is difficult to teach them academic skills. Thus, it is very taxing for teachers to focus on teaching them academic skills. On the part of autistic children who struggle academically, it is frustrating to learn as they have neither interest nor academic abilities to learn the traditional way.

Gardening gives autistic teens and young adults a break from traditional classroom learning. It provides an opportunity for them to work on their motor skills. As they dig, plant and water, gardening helps them to fine tune their motor skills in daily life. Moreover, gardening provides them ample opportunities to enjoy a natural calm environment. As they enjoy working outside in the open space instead of in a cramped classroom, gardening builds up their focus and attention. As autistic individuals often have short attention span, they learn to focus their attention when planting and tending to their plants. 

At the same time, they learn to follow teachers’ instructions as they are guided in the steps of planting such as digging a hole, putting in a seed or a young plant and watering a plant. Compliance is built up in a non-academic environment as they learn new skills. They need to follow each instruction to enable them to fulfil each task. Gardening also teaches them responsibilities as they learn to take care of the plants from young to maturity and then to harvest them to sell. They also take part in selling the products which gives them a sense of satisfaction and achievement, no matter how small it is.

In addition, autistic individuals often struggle to socialise. Therefore, gardening provides an avenue where they can socialise in their own way working in a group. Even though they may not engage in any conversation as most are non-verbal or have limited speech, there is a sense of comradeship as they work together tending to the plants. A sense of cooperation is built up as they work alongside each other. Their behaviour improves as they learn to interact with peers in KAA’s supportive environment. It also helps them to concentrate as KAA teachers are trained to break down skills into small steps to facilitate learning.

In conclusion, KAA gardening programme has helped autistic individuals to learn many new skills and foster a supportive environment for them to thrive in. Embracing autism, enriching lives of those whose every small step is an achievement in their own way.