Is the BERG PlayBase Good for Kids with Autism?

At Trampolines Ireland, we’re passionate about outdoor play and the many ways it helps children thrive. One question we’ve been asked more often in recent years is: “Is the BERG PlayBase good for kids with autism?”

The BERG PlayBase is wonderfully suited for children with autism—it supports sensory regulation, motor skills, confidence-building, and inclusive outdoor play, all within a safe, customizable, family-friendly environment.

The short answer is yes—the PlayBase can be a fantastic resource for children on the autism spectrum. Its combination of movement, sensory input, flexibility, and family inclusivity makes it uniquely suited to support autistic children in ways that are both fun and therapeutic.

In this article, we’ll explore why the BERG PlayBase is good for children with autism, looking at the benefits for sensory needs, motor skills, emotional regulation, confidence, social play, and family life. We’ll also discuss how to adapt the PlayBase for individual needs and how parents can get the most from it.

1. Understanding Autism and Play

Autism is a spectrum condition, which means every child experiences it differently. Still, some common traits include:

Differences in sensory processing (being over- or under-sensitive to sounds, textures, or movement).
Challenges with social interaction and communication.
A preference for predictable routines.
Unique strengths in areas like focus, problem-solving, and creativity.

Play can be especially powerful for autistic children. Through safe, enjoyable play experiences, they can explore movement, regulate emotions, practise social interaction, and build confidence.

2. Why the BERG PlayBase Works for Autistic Children

The PlayBase is not a “special needs” product, but its design makes it naturally inclusive. Here’s why it works so well for kids with autism.

Sensory Regulation

Autistic children often use movement (like swinging or jumping) to regulate their sensory systems. This is sometimes called “stimming.” The PlayBase offers:

Swings for calming, rhythmic movement.
Nest swings where children can cocoon themselves for comfort.
Climbing and monkey bars for intense proprioceptive (body awareness) input.
Hammocks for gentle rocking and deep pressure.

This range of sensory experiences can help children self-regulate when they feel overwhelmed.

Safe, Predictable Environment

Unlike busy public playgrounds, the PlayBase sits in your own garden. Children know the space, the sounds, and the rules, making it less overwhelming. Predictability is especially important for autistic children who find unfamiliar environments stressful.

Flexible and Customisable

The modular design means you can tailor the PlayBase to your child’s needs. For example:

Use classic swings for simple, calming movement.
Add a climbing wall to build confidence and strength.
Use a hammock for quiet downtime.
Keep accessories minimal if your child prefers less visual or physical clutter.

3. Physical Benefits for Autistic Children

Motor Skills Development

Some children with autism experience delays in gross motor skills (like running, climbing, and jumping). The PlayBase encourages:

Climbing (climbing wall, rope ladders).
Hanging and swinging (rings, trapeze, monkey bars).
Balance (swings, ropes).

These activities improve coordination, strength, and balance in a playful, engaging way.

Body Awareness (Proprioception)

Proprioception is knowing where your body is in space. Many autistic children seek out heavy work or movement activities to help with this. Monkey bars, climbing, and swinging provide exactly the kind of feedback they need to feel grounded.

Core Strength and Posture

Activities like hanging, swinging, and climbing also build core strength, which supports posture, attention, and endurance for school activities like sitting at a desk.

4. Emotional and Behavioural Benefits

Calming and Self-Regulation

Gentle swinging and rocking are proven to have a calming effect on the nervous system. For children prone to anxiety or meltdowns, a PlayBase swing or hammock can be a safe retreat.

Confidence and Achievement

Climbing a wall or mastering monkey bars gives a sense of achievement. This builds self-esteem—something many autistic children struggle with in traditional school or sports settings.

Reduced Stress

Time outdoors is linked to reduced stress, better sleep, and improved mood. The PlayBase draws children outside, where they can enjoy these natural benefits.

5. Social and Family Benefits

Encouraging Parallel Play

Some autistic children prefer to play alongside others rather than directly with them. The PlayBase allows siblings or friends to each choose different accessories but still play together in the same space.

Opportunities for Cooperative Play

Accessories like the nest swing or basketball hoop encourage children to share, take turns, or work as a team. These moments provide low-pressure social practice.

Family Inclusion

Because the PlayBase is suitable for all ages—including adults—it becomes a hub where the whole family can join in. Parents can work out, siblings can swing, and everyone can spend time together.

6. Customising the PlayBase for Autism

Every child is different, so here are some ways to adapt the PlayBase for autistic children:

Start simple: Begin with one or two accessories, like a swing and a hammock, to avoid overwhelming your child.
Add gradually: Introduce new elements slowly once your child is comfortable.
Think sensory: If your child craves movement, choose swings and monkey bars. If they prefer calm, add a hammock or nest swing.
Create routine: Use the PlayBase as part of daily structure (e.g., “10 minutes of swinging before homework”).
Provide choice: Let your child choose accessories that feel good for them.

7. Surfaces and Safety Considerations

For autistic children, safety and comfort are especially important. Suitable surfaces include:

Grass – soft and natural.
Wood chips or bark – good shock absorption.
Artificial grass – tidy, low maintenance.
Rubber tiles – professional-grade fall protection.

Avoid hard surfaces like concrete or gravel, as these don’t cushion falls.

8. Comparing PlayBase to Other Options

Why choose a PlayBase over other garden equipment for autistic children?

Vs. standard swing sets: More versatile, grows with the child, and offers calming hammocks.
Vs. trampolines: Trampolines are excellent for sensory input too, but some children find the unpredictability overstimulating. PlayBase offers more variety and calm options.
Vs. public playgrounds: Private, predictable, and less overwhelming than busy parks.

The PlayBase is one of the few systems that combines active play, calming options, and inclusivity for the whole family.

9. Testimonials and Real-Life Experiences

We’ve heard from families who have installed the PlayBase specifically for children with autism:

A mother in Cork shared how the nest swing became her son’s safe space after school, helping him decompress before homework.
A father in Belfast said the monkey bars improved his daughter’s coordination and confidence, helping her participate more in PE.
A family in Galway noted that the PlayBase allowed siblings to play together without overwhelming their autistic son, who enjoyed swinging while his brother climbed.

These stories highlight how adaptable the PlayBase can be.

10. Is the PlayBase a Therapy Tool?

The BERG PlayBase isn’t marketed as medical equipment, but it shares similarities with tools used by occupational therapists in sensory integration therapy. Swings, climbing, and hammocks are often part of therapeutic programmes.

This means the PlayBase can complement therapy goals at home, giving children regular, enjoyable access to activities that support their development.

11. Potential Challenges

Of course, no product is perfect for every child. Some things to consider:

Sensory overload: Too many accessories at once could overwhelm some children. Start simple.
Supervision: Children who climb or swing energetically should always be supervised.
Individual preferences: Some autistic children may prefer quiet indoor activities. The PlayBase should be offered as an option, not forced.

12. Why Buy from Trampolines Ireland?

If you’re considering the BERG PlayBase for your child, Trampolines Ireland is here to help:

We are an authorised BERG retailer, providing genuine products and full warranties.
We can offer expert advice on choosing the right size and accessories for your child’s needs.
We provide nationwide delivery across Ireland.
We are trusted by schools and families, including many who support children with additional needs.
We offer ongoing support, from installation guidance to aftercare.

Conclusion

So, is the BERG PlayBase good for kids with autism? The answer is a resounding yes. Its combination of sensory benefits, motor skill development, calming options, and family inclusivity make it one of the best outdoor play investments you can make for an autistic child.

It offers:

Movement for regulation and strength.
Calming swings and hammocks for downtime.
Opportunities for confidence and achievement.
A safe, predictable, family-friendly environment.

Every child is different, but for many children with autism, the BERG PlayBase can be life-enhancing—helping them thrive through play, fitness, and outdoor time.

If you’d like advice on choosing the right PlayBase for your family, get in touch with Trampolines Ireland today. We’d be delighted to help you find the perfect setup to support your child’s needs.