The Sensory Arts Garden and O’Donnell Family Pavilion is a 13,000-square-foot therapeutic and educational destination for children and adults. The garden provides a meaningful experience through the exploration of nature and stimulation of the senses. A variety of plantings, hardscape, and water features stimulate motor, cognitive, sensory, and social skills. The water wall, completed in 2019, is a beautiful and captivating feature, providing yet another opportunity for interaction and stimulation.
Purposely designed to offer varying levels of sensory experiences, while minimizing sensory overload, the garden sets a precedent for specialized outdoor environments for people with autism and other related disabilities.
When individuals with autism engage with nature, they develop not only a special interest in birds, animals, or plants but also opportunities to develop their social skills.
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Explore the Sensory Arts Garden
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Sensory Arts Garden & Pavilion
Read our published article, co-authored by our Executive Director, Dr. Marlene Sotelo, which describes the development and features of our sensory garden and its benefits for individuals with ASD:
Designing an Impactful Sensory Garden for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Naming Opportunities
Become a part of this tranquil place that allows visitors to engage with nature in their own way, on their own terms, and at their own pace
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Art Showcase in the Pavilion
Els for Autism proudly showcases the work of artists with autism or other developmental disabilities in the Pavilion each quarter. These exhibitions provide a platform for talented artists to share their creativity with the community. Whenever the Pavilion is rented or we host a special event, the artist’s work will be prominently displayed, fostering inclusion and appreciation for neurodiverse creativity.
Click here to view our Artist Showcase.
Join the Showcase
Els for Autism is actively seeking artists to feature in our quarterly showcases. To qualify, artists must have autism or another developmental disability, agree to provide 10 or more pieces of artwork for display for a minimum of three months, and ensure their artwork is prepared for exhibition. This can include, but is not limited to, artwork being framed or on canvas.
If you or someone you know would be interested, we invite you to learn more about the process and how to participate by contacting our Events Team.
