Summary

The Matthew Reardon Center for Autism (MRCA) is breaking ground on a sensory playground in 2022 and it will be constructed in two phases over the next three years. 

MRCA’s playground will provide both venue and opportunities for students to develop and attain critical skills while playing outdoors. The purpose of our playground is to enhance language development, refine motor skills, stimulate social interaction, and build strong, healthy bodies. Children’s play encourages learning through exploration, curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. Evidence demonstrates that play builds neural connections and promotes the use of language and motor skills. Sensory play is especially important for autistic children as hyper- and hypo-sensitivities are present in more than 96% of cases.

Why is Sensory Play Important?

The playground is where children typically develop independent social skills, learning the nuances of peer-to-peer relationship building while darting in and around each other during body-building motions. Autistic children miss out on these experiences when playground design does not account for neurodiversity. Evidence demonstrates that play builds neural connections and promotes the use of language and motor skills.

We accomplish this through our year-round day school, family advocacy, and community education.

Design

Playground equipment has been carefully evaluated and selected to provide opportunities to develop auditory, proprioceptive, tactile, and vestibular (sensory) domains as well as gross motor skills such as balance, coordination, flexibility, and motor planning.

How to contribute

Supporters of our new playground may sponsor a piece of equipment or make a contribution directly to the center.