Sensory Integration - Incorporate nature into child’s sensory integration therapy for sensory processing input: A case study in SRK Bukit Payung, Terengganu

¹ Habitat – Ekistics Research Group, Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok Campus, 16300 Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia
² Sustainability and Urban Design Research Group, Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok Campus, 16300 Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia
³ Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok Campus, 16300 Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia
⁴ Department of Interior Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Ekistics, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok Campus, 16300 Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia
⁵ Faculty of Language and Communication, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Gong Badak Campus, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: izzati.o@umk.edu.my

Abstract

This study investigates the number of special needs students and how a sensory garden can Incorporate nature into a child’s sensory integration therapy for sensory processing input. The case study was conducted at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Bukit Payong which offers specialized classes for students with special needs. The objectives of this study are to identify types of special needs students in this school and to provide or design an environment that incorporates natural elements as a therapeutic approach by engaging students in physical activities that facilitate the management of sensory input. Method used in this study are content analysis to understand sensory integration and sensory garden, semi structured interview identified the numbers of special needs students in this school. The outcomes of this study entail the identification of distinct types of special needs students present at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Bukit Payong This information serves as a foundation for developing learning spaces that are tailored to the specific needs of these students, thereby improving their focus and concentration in the classroom by providing a sensory garden. Additionally, the study introduces a sensory integration design that incorporates activities aimed at assisting children in mastering the more challenging learning tasks. Such activities contribute to the development of cognitive abilities, language skills, gross motor skills, and social interaction that is facilitated through the transfer of expert knowledge.