Asperger’s and autism: researching the benefits of working in horticulture for TV project

I've today spoken to Producer Samantha Williams.

Samantha told me she is developing a new project for a major UK Broadcaster looking at the benefits of working in green spaces on people with disabilities. At this stage her research is focusing on Asperger’s and autism.

There has been considerable research to show the benefits of working in the outdoors, particularly on those with Asperger’s and autism and as part of her research she would like to speak with individuals who may be on the Asperger’s or autistic spectrum who work in green spaces in any capacity - from gardeners and landscape architects/designersm students/teachers to more widely horticultural therapists and horticulturists in general.

If you can be of any assistance, or know of someone else, could you circulate the details through your own email and social media networks as I'm sure this will be of interest to many individuals who work in this field.

For more information please contact Samantha Williams on 07957 482 775 or email Samantha.williams@betty.co.uk

Replies

PRO

Phil Voice October 4, 2013 at 2:12pm

Samantha has asked me to make it clearer that she'd like to speak with anyone who may be even mildly autistic or mildly Asperger's for them to get in touch as well.
Tony Duffy October 5, 2013 at 4:52pm

My son was diagnosed with Asperger's about 4 years ago and attends a school for kids with this type of disability. Tomorrow he is fighting in a Thai Boxing fight under full rules in front of a crowd in excess of 1200 people. This is way more than we were told to except when he was diagnosed. I've had him work for me in the school holidays, packing gravel and doing other bits and bobs but that's about as much as it gets in terms of experience in the landscaping industry so I'm not sure I'll be much use. I would be happy to talk to them though if they think I could help.