The National Autistic Society Garden creates a series of spaces dedicated to the different kinds of relationships in our lives - at work, with friends and family, with partners, or by ourselves.
It shows an autistic person’s experience, particularly the use of a strategy called ‘masking’. This involves mimicking socially acceptable behaviour, or hiding parts of oneself to fit in, but it can be unrelenting and harmful to their mental health.
The garden has three outer spaces, each with its own character to accommodate a type of social activity: a large, covered space to spend time as a family; a more formal space for colleagues; and an intimate corner for a quiet conversation with a partner. Each space is defined by a cork and timber screen - or ‘mask’ – which together create a fourth area, a sunken, protected sanctuary at the heart of the garden. This inner garden becomes a metaphor for the inner mind.
(Illustration by Kate Slater)
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The National Autistic Society exists to transform lives and change attitudes to help create a society that works for autistic people.
The garden will be relocated to the National Autistic Society supported living site at Catrine Bank, next to the river Ayr in Scotland. Catrine Bank is home to around 60 permanent or temporary residents and more than 250 staff who support them, and work in the NAS offices on site. Residents use gardens as spaces to escape when they need calm, staff need gardens for much-needed breaks in their demanding roles, and they all need spaces to socialise with visiting friends, family, and the wider local community.
Head to the link below to find out more about the garden and the people involved in its creation and legacy.
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