The National Autistic Society Garden will provide dedicated spaces to the different kinds of relationships in our lives - at work, with friends and family, with partners, or by ourselves.
It will show an autistic person’s experience, particularly the use of a strategy called ‘masking’. This describes how autistic people consciously or unconsciously hide their autistic characteristics, in order to fit in and feel more accepted. Masking autistic characteristics and suppressing coping mechanisms can result in exhaustion, mental health difficulties and a loss of sense of self.
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 has been 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 the garden provides a much-needed space for autistic people, their families and staff to enjoy. Some of the plants were donated to Saxon Hill Academy, a special needs school in Lichfield.
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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