Transforming the Lives of Youth with Autism through Research-Informed Farm Therapy
By Kaili Zhang
Research into the effectiveness of farm therapy has been pivotal in shaping the Onesimus Garden programme, launched by Grace Mission Agri Pte Ltd in Singapore in 2013. Grounded in research (e.g., Zhang & Choo, 2019; Zhang, forthcoming) that highlights the therapeutic and developmental benefits of agriculture for individuals with disabilities, the programme combines hands-on farming with personal growth. It is designed to address sensory needs, build self-esteem, and develop critical skills such as communication, independence, and employability. Furthermore, using techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and traditional farming, the programme equips youth with autism with practical skills while producing chemical-free vegetables for local communities.
Dr. Zhang, a researcher and volunteer consultant with Grace Mission, has been instrumental in expanding the programme beyond vocational training by integrating social and functional skills. Her focus on inclusivity and employment has opened opportunities for families seeking meaningful engagement for their children. The Onesimus Garden programme has achieved measurable success, improving participants’ social engagement, self-confidence, and adaptability. Its impact has led to the development of similar therapeutic farming models across Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
Recognised in prominent publications like The Straits Times and World Autism Awareness (Chawla, 2018), as well as through community testimonials, the programme is celebrated for transforming lives, fostering independence, and cultivating resilience among participants. As one intern remarked, "Their selfless dedication to improving the lives of those in the autism community is a true reflection of love and compassion." This research-backed initiative, the first of its kind in Singapore, validates farm therapy as a powerful tool for promoting inclusion, resilience, and purpose for youth with autism.
Transforming Lives Through Restorative Farm Therapy
Research into farm therapy has shown its potential to help youth with autism improve sensory skills, enhance social engagement, develop essential life skills, and foster resilience and independence (e.g., Loue, et al., 2014., Schreuder et al., 2014; Sempik, 2008) The Onesimus Garden programme, a key initiative of Grace Mission, builds on these findings by using hydroponics, aquaponics, and soil farming tailored to the needs of youth with autism.
The Impact of Research
Groundbreaking studies (e.g., Zhang & Choo, 2019; Zhang, forthcoming) have demonstrated that farm therapy provides structured, hands-on opportunities that align with the sensory needs of youth with autism. The research informed the design of the Onesimus Garden programme and led to key improvements:
- Enhanced Curriculum: Focus on communication, independence, and employability.
- Evidence-Based Adaptations: Activities are tailored to participants’ sensory profiles, improving engagement and skill development.
- Social and Functional Skills Integration: Dr. Zhang, has been instrumental in expanding the programme by integrating social and functional skills. Her emphasis on inclusivity and employment has also opened new opportunities for families seeking meaningful engagement for their children. By focusing on the holistic development of participants, the programme has gone beyond simply providing vocational training to fostering skills that promote long-term social integration and career readiness.
Success on the Ground
The programme has delivered transformative outcomes, including:
- Improved self-confidence and adaptability: Participants have mastered farming techniques, building resilience and problem-solving skills.
- Strengthened collaboration: Participants now work more effectively in teams, fostering a sense of community.
Global Reach and Inspiration
The research and programme have inspired similar initiatives across Southeast Asia, including in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. The model, rooted in evidence-based practices, has become a beacon of hope for organisations and governments seeking to support youth with autism.
Recognition and Advocacy
The Onesimus Garden programme has proven farm therapy’s value as an educational and therapeutic tool, drawing attention from global stakeholders. Over 200 visitors have come to
experience the benefits of hydroponic farming. Of these, 68 became regular participants, and 30 youth enrolled in full-time on-the-job training programmes.
Media and Community Impact
Featured in The Straits Times (Quah, 2024) and cited by World Autism Awareness Day (Chawla, 2018), the programme has generated advocacy for inclusive opportunities for youth with autism. Partnerships and community outreach have amplified the programme’s reach, increasing awareness and inclusion.
Conclusion
The Onesimus Garden programme has transformed lives by integrating research insights, proving that farm therapy is a pathway to inclusion, independence, and purpose for youth with autism. This initiative highlights how research-informed practices create meaningful change, not only for individuals but also for communities worldwide.
Key Benefits
- Participants: Developed communication, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, building confidence and independence.
- Families: Witnessed improvements in children’s abilities and social integration.
- Community: Benefited from increased inclusion and awareness through partnerships and outreach.
Southeast Asia: Inspired similar initiatives, showcasing the scalability of evidence-based farm therapy.
References -
Chawla. (2018). World Autism Awareness Day. Semantic Scholar.
Loue, S., Karges, R. R., & Carlton, C. (2014) The therapeutic farm community: an innovative
intervention for mental illness. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 149, 503–507.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.08.298.
Quah, J. (2024, May 22). Nature and nurture: This urban farm in Singapore has a very special
- The Straits Times.
Schreuder, E., Rijnders, M., Vaandrager, L., Hassink, J., Enders-Slegers, M. J., & Kennedy, L. (2014)
Exploring salutogenic mechanisms of an outdoor experiential learning programme on youth
care farms in the Netherlands: untapped potential? International Journal of Adolescence and
Youth, 19(2), 139–152.
Sempik, J. (2008). Green care: A natural resource for therapeutic communities? Therapeutic Communities, 29, 221–227.
Zhang, K. C., & Choo, A. (2019). Autism interventions for youth: Restorative farm
therapy in Singapore. Support for Learning: British Journal for Learning Support,
34(1), 112-120. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9604.12238
Zhang, K. C. (forthcoming). Restorative farm therapy for youth with autism: A longitudinal study.
