Exploration of Outdoor Learning Space Towards ASD Children: A Systematic Literature Review

Authors

  • MARINA ABDULLAH MRS
  • Sreetheran Maruthaveeran
  • Mohd Fabian Hasna
  • Tomomi Sudo

Keywords:

Outdoor learning space, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), space characteristics, inclusive

Abstract

The design of outdoor learning spaces is vital for enhancing attention among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize inclusivity, there is still a lack of attention to ASD children's needs in educational institutions. A qualitative study examined the characteristics of outdoor learning spaces through a systematic literature review. The analysis highlighted key findings related to authorship and publication, as well as specific attributes of the space characteristics. The study aims to guide professional authorities in developing effective policies and practices to create inclusive outdoor learning spaces for ASD learners.

References

Abdullah, F., Yaman, M., Nur, A., Sanusi, Z., Asif, N., & Salim, F. (2021). Significant Design Attributes for Outdoor Learning Environment in Higher Learning Institutions. Journal of Architecture, Planning & Construction Management, 11(1), 2021.

Abdullah, M., Teh, M. Z., Ali, W. N. A. W., & Hamzah, H. (2022). Children Preferred Environment in Engaging Play - Based Learning ( PBL ): Indoor or Outdoor. 7th Inspirational Scholar Symposium ISS2022, Malaysia Children, 7, 237–244.

Acar, H. (2014). Learning Environments for Children in Outdoor Spaces. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 141, 846–853. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.05.147

Ahmad Shaherman Shamsuri & Nur Huda Musa. (2022, June). 10 Peratus Kanak-kanak Alami Masalah Speech Delay. 1–4. https://www.kosmo.com.my/2022/06/22/10-peratus-kanak-kanak-alami-masalah-speech-delay/

Barakat, H. A. E. R., Bakr, A., & El-Sayad, Z. (2019). Nature as a Healer for Autistic Children. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 58(1), 353–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2018.10.014

Beery, T. (2020). Exploring Access to Nature Play in Urban Parks: Resilience, Sustainability, and Early Childhood. Sustainability (Switzerland), 12(4894). https://doi.org/10.3390/su12124894

Chu, L., & Lee, M. (2023). Automatic Design and Optimization of Educational Space for Autistic Children Based on Deep Neural Network and Affordance Theory. 1–21. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj-cs.1303

Constable, K. (2017). The Outdoor Classroom Ages 3–7. In The Outdoor Classroom Ages 3–7. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315394060

Department of Social Welfare Malaysia. (2023). Laporan Statistik 2022 Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) Department of Social Welfare Statistics Report. www.jkm.gov.my

Friedman, S., Gibson, J., Jones, C., & Hughes, C. (2022). ‘A New Adventure’: A Case Study of Autistic Children at Forest School. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 00(00), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2022.2115522

Ghazali, R., Sakip, S. R. M., & Samsuddin, I. (2018). A Review of Sensory Design Physical Learning Environment for Autism Centre in Malaysia. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 3(7). https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v3i7.1262

Gilmore, D., Radford, D., Coyne, A., Hanks, C., Coury, D. L., Hess, A., Garvin, J. H., & Hand, B. N. (2023). Health Care Transitions A Mixed-Methods Study of Autistic Adults ’ Healthcare Independence Over Time. Health Care Transitions, 1(June), 100029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hctj.2023.100029

Hansen, T. (2021). The Autism Friendly School.

Harris, F. (2018). Outdoor Learning Spaces: The Case of Forest School. AREA, 50(2), 222–231. https://doi.org/10.1111/area.12360

Jackson, J. W. and L. (2017). Inverse Relationship between Urban Green Space and Childhood Autism in California Elementary School Districts. Atmospheric Environment, 23(1994), 248–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hal.2017.06.001.Submit

Linda Steg, J. I. M. D. G. (2019). Environmental Psychology. In John Wiley & Sons Ltd Edition. https://doi.org/10.5948/upo9781614441052.002

Ministry of Finance Malaysia. (2025). Peta Laman Ucapan Perdana Menteri Malaysia. https://belanjawan.mof.gov.my/ms/gallery/belanjawan-2025-tumpuan-3-ikhtiar-49

Pogoda, J., & Majczyk, J. (2022). Educational Spaces for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Architectus, December 2022, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.37190/arc220307

Prisk, C., & Cusworth, H. (2018). Outdoor Learning and Play at Schools Around the World (Issue November). www.dirtisgood.com

Rahim, S. N. F. A., Badzis, M., & Rahman, N. S. N. A. (2020). How do Children Experience Nature at Preschool? A Preliminary Study. 4th UUM International Qualitative Research Conference (QRC 2020), December 2020, 135–147.

Rowland, D. (2024). Scientific Facts About Autism. Research Article Journal of Neurology , Psychiatry and Brain Research, August. https://doi.org/10.37722/JNPABR.2024301

Shabrina Salsabila, & Muna, Z. F. L. (2023). Analysis of Nature-Based-Learning for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Elementary School Age: A Systematic Review. Special and Inclusive Educational Journal, 4(1), 50–55. https://doi.org/10.36456/special.vol4.no1.a7288

Srinivasan, S. M., Cavagnino, D. T., Bhat, A. N., & Sciences, B. (2019). Effects of Equine Therapy on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Rev J Autism Dev Disord., 5(2), 1–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-018-0130-z.Effects

Tabaeian, S. M., Kerdabadi, N. A., & Abedi, A. (2018). Analysis of Educational Spaces Design Methods for Educable Mentally Disable Children. EMARA Indonesian Journal of Architecture, 4(2), 71–76. https://doi.org/10.29080/eija.v4i2.324

Tola, G., Talu, V., Congiu, T., Bain, P., & Lindert, J. (2021). Built Environment Design and People With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(6), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063203

Wang, X., Woolley, H., Tang, Y., Liu, H., & Luo, Y. (2018). Young Children’ s and Adults’ Perceptions of Natural Play Spaces: A Case Study of Chengdu, Southwestern China. Cities, 72(February), 173–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2017.08.011

Downloads

Published

2024-11-29

How to Cite

ABDULLAH, M., Maruthaveeran, S., Hasna, M. F., & Sudo, T. (2024). Exploration of Outdoor Learning Space Towards ASD Children: A Systematic Literature Review. Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 10(31). Retrieved from https://ebpj.e-iph.co.uk/index.php/EBProceedings/article/view/6347