Pasco Extension Launches “Gardening for Autism”

~~Six-week educational and sensory gardening program for autistic students ages 8 to 13~~

Pasco Extension Launches “Gardening for Autism”

UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension is excited to launch “Gardening for Autism,” a fun and educational sensory gardening program for children on the autism spectrum.  The six-week program will be held Saturday mornings beginning January 11, 2020, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, and includes hands-on, basic gardening lessons while empowering participants to grow their own healthy food.

WHAT:          Gardening for Autism: A Sensory Garden Program
WHEN:          Saturdays from January 11, 2020 – February 15, 2020
            10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
WHO:             Students on the autism spectrum, ages 8-13
WHERE:       Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park
            5401 Land O’ Lakes, FL
REGISTER HERE: bit.ly/2rG1qak (Class size is limited.)

“Gardening for Autism is a wonderful opportunity for students to communicate and collaborate with others and engage in new sensory activities with soil, seeds, and plants,” said Autism Society of Florida President Stacey Hoaglund.  “We’re so very proud and thankful to Pasco County for their desire to make a difference in the lives of children with autism.”

Planned programming includes potting a tomato plant, creating a backyard habitat and constructing a toad house.  Activities are designed to create a love of gardening in a quiet, calm and safe environment.

The cost for each participant is $40.00, which covers all course materials and a cookout.  Parents must remain with their students during the full duration of each course session.