“Girl playing with a sensory panel in the playground” by Brisbane City Council CC BY
A Perth mother and ADHD WA are raising funds to build a new sensory playground specifically for children with ADHD.
Peta Drury, whose son has ADHD, launched a GoFundMe with her husband to raise funds for the ADHD WA Center to build a small sensory playground in Nedlands for children to use while receiving services and support. This site currently has no playground
Sensory playgrounds are playgrounds that incorporate elements of touch, sight, sound and proprioception (the sense of self-movement and body position).
Although their efforts to get corporate sponsors failed in the beginning, through community and public support they have raised $5000 that will be used to improve the outdoor facilities at ADHD WA, including clearing away roadway obstructions and laying new sod for the children’s safety.
Curtin University psychology student Musa Amil said children with ADHD needed to be provided with different opportunities for physical activities because they have a lot of energy and needed to improve their focus.
“This can be done in playgrounds, which can promote their social interaction and help with their cooperation and managing their energy levels,” he said.
The donations indicate public support for this new sensory playground, but the playground is a simple move that does not address the fundamental problem facing families with children with ADHD.
According to AIHW statistics, ADHD is estimated to affect one in 14 children in Australia, but the current wait time for a child to get a diagnosis is about three years.
ADHD WA has been working to help children with ADHD in a variety of ways. Photo: Annie Wang
ADHD WA corporate and services coordinator Lucia Barrett said ADHD WA was talking to the government and always looking for ways to change the current policies and procedures.
“If you don’t have a diagnosis, you can not be treated differently in the school system,” she said.
Mr Amil said the behaviours of children with ADHD can include fidgeting, having difficulties staying in one place, or interrupting others.
“This can often impact their academic performance and as well as the social interactions they have with their families and their peers,” he said.
ADHD WA provides a six-week training program for people with ADHD and their families to help them better understand their ADHD.
Categories: Child care, General, Mental Health, News Writing and Reporting, Students