South Brunswick Teens Seek To Install Sensory Play Structures For Children With Autism

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Two students from South Brunswick are raising funds to purchase sensory playground equipment for children with autism.

Eighth graders Arjun Tyagi and Rishav Vignesh have started a GoFundMe to help them in this endeavor. They are being supported by the Township.

During the 2019-2020 school year, Tyagi and Vignesh participated in FIRST LEGO League (FLL) – an international organization that inspires youth through STEM learning. Through competitions, teams are introduced to scientific and real-world challenges, giving them the opportunity to focus and research on their chosen topics.

That year, the theme was "City Shapers" where participants were asked to identify a problem within their community and come up with a solution.

Tyagi and Vignesh focused on the lack of public spaces for children on the autism spectrum.

“We set our goal to design a solution. We had multiple brainstorming sessions that led us to the idea of adding an autism-friendly sensory area in our local park,” the students said in a statement.

To conduct research on the subject, they picked up books from the library and studied various journals online. They learned that children with autism have different play abilities and sensory needs. Regular playgrounds do not always offer enough sensory stimulation for children with autism.

The duo then created a survey to help them learn more about the kinds of playground equipment children with autism need. They also sought input from experts including organizations like Autism Speak, teachers and occupational therapists.

Tyagi and Vignesh found that children on the spectrum enjoy a variety of sensory equipment that helps with their physical, auditory, visual and tactile sensory needs. Most children on the autism spectrum like musical instruments, sensory walks, and obstacle courses.

The students have created a list of playground sensory equipment for one of the local parks.

They approached MRC, a company that designs and produces sensory equipment. The company agreed to do a dollar-to-dollar match for funds raised by June 30. For $5,000 raised, the company will be matching it with an additional $5,000.

In partnership with the township’s Department of Parks and Recreation, the students have started a GoFundMe to raise the necessary amount.

As of Wednesday, the students have raised $1,300 of the intended target of $5,000.

To contribute to their fundraiser, click here.

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