

Nurturing Healthy Habits Through Sensory-Friendly Experiences
Horizon Over the Spectrum’s Sensory Garden & Healthy Eating Program is a community-based program designed to support children on the autism spectrum and their families by promoting positive relationships with food through sensory-informed, hands-on learning experiences.
This program recognizes that many neurodivergent children experience sensory sensitivities related to taste, texture, smell, and visual presentation of foods. Our approach meets children where they are—creating a low-pressure, inclusive environment that encourages exploration, curiosity, and confidence.
Partner With Us
We welcome partnerships with grocery stores, retailers, community organizations, and funders who are committed to supporting children, families, and healthy communities.
Donations and partnerships support the initiative by helping us purchase:
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Fresh fruits and vegetables
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Healthy snacks and pantry staples
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Gardening tools and supplies
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Sensory materials and adaptive learning tools
These resources are used directly in programming and to support participating families.
Program Overview
The Sensory Garden & Healthy Eating Program combines monthly Harvest of the Month activities with hands-on gardening experiences to help children and families explore fruits and vegetables in a way that feels safe, predictable, and engaging.
Families participate together in activities that build routine, reduce food aversion, and strengthen connections—both with food and with one another.
![IMG_5495[1].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9daef4_bed2721f780042a1ab792a953e323dcc~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_1539,w_3060,h_2541/fill/w_537,h_446,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_5495%5B1%5D_JPG.jpg)
What Makes This Initiative Unique
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Sensory-informed food exploration
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Hands-on gardening and planting activities
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No-pressure tasting opportunities
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Predictable monthly routines
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Family-centered nutrition education
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Inclusive, judgment-free environment
All activities are designed with sensory needs in mind, allowing children to explore at their own pace.
![IMG_5901[1].HEIC](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9daef4_8cc3cd74943f4656865d9bad4284ab2d~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_878,w_3024,h_2512/fill/w_537,h_446,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_5901%5B1%5D_HEIC.png)
Monthly Harvest of the Month
Each month, families are introduced to a featured fruit or vegetable through:
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Sensory exploration (touch, smell, visual engagement)
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Gardening activities connected to the harvest
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Simple nutrition education
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Family take-home resources and recipes
Children are never required to taste foods—participation is guided by comfort, choice, and curiosity.
![IMG_5975[1].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/9daef4_98a46aebf028410ead69157185ea9380~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_537,h_446,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/IMG_5975%5B1%5D_JPG.jpg)

