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The Impact of the Urban Built Environment on the Play Behavior of Children with ASD

Author

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  • Shengzhen Wu

    (College of Arts and Design, Jimei University, Xiamen 361000, China)

  • Chen Pan

    (School of Art and Design, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China)

  • Lihao Yao

    (College of Coastal Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524000, China
    School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Zhuhai College of Science and Technology, Zhuhai 519041, China)

  • Xiaojing Wu

    (Department of Economic Management, Fujian Economic and Trade School, Quanzhou 362000, China)

Abstract

Anxiety caused by the lack of social skills is the biggest problem faced by children with ASD. Playing can improve children’s social skills and relieve anxiety. This study aimed to explore the influence of urban built environments on ASD children’s play behavior. The participants in this study were 57 parents of children with ASD. An anonymous questionnaire was used to collect and analyze data. At the same time, retrospective semi-structured interviews with 31 parents of ASD children were performed to validate the data analysis results. The results showed that lower residential building density, higher residential greening and higher destination accessibility have positive effects on ASD children’s play behavior. Excellent transportation facilities and high NDVI vegetation coverage have positive effects on the play behavior of children with ASD. More recreational facilities and recreational playability have positive impacts on the play behavior of children with ASD. The population density and number of children in the destination, as well as public facilities, influence the play behavior of children with ASD. The research results can promote the integration of this group into urban life and further promote social equity. At the same time, with the social needs of autistic children as an intermediary, it is expected to further explore new directions for sustainable urban development. Finally, combined with the research results, parents of ASD children are given proposals for how to increase the likelihood of children’s play behavior by choosing appropriate urban built environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Shengzhen Wu & Chen Pan & Lihao Yao & Xiaojing Wu, 2022. "The Impact of the Urban Built Environment on the Play Behavior of Children with ASD," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:22:p:14752-:d:968202
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sharmin, Samia & Kamruzzaman, Md., 2017. "Association between the built environment and children's independent mobility: A meta-analytic review," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 104-117.
    2. Fengfeng Ke & Tami Im, 2013. "Virtual-Reality-Based Social Interaction Training for Children with High-Functioning Autism," The Journal of Educational Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 106(6), pages 441-461, November.
    3. Broberg, Anna & Sarjala, Satu, 2015. "School travel mode choice and the characteristics of the urban built environment: The case of Helsinki, Finland," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 1-10.
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