Project: Lakewood Elementary Sensory Path for Autism Programs

When Kayli Nieset was researching how to earn her Gold Award, she decided to focus on something very personal—helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the local elementary school.

On the right path

Kayli knows how challenging ASD can be, as she deals with it herself. Which is why she created a colorful sensory path outside of the autism classrooms for autistic kids at the school and in the community to use.

“Sensory paths engage multiple senses to help develop motor skills and also improve their physical health,” she said.

Besides encouraging physical activity to reduce stress and anxiety, Kayli incorporated positive affirmations to promote positive self-esteem and mental health.

The teachers at the elementary school were very thrilled upon installation of the project and told Kayli that the ASD kids really enjoy it and use it every school day. It’s such a bright spot, even non-neurodivergent kids at school use it, too.

Gold Lessons

Working on her Gold Award, Kayli learned how to have better communication skills with others, stay calm in stressful situations, and that nothing can be perfect.

“I need remember to take things in smaller, manageable, portions, she said. “But the biggest thing I learned was that making mistakes is okay.”

Find out more

Kayli chats about her Gold Award journey on our YouTube channel.

Visit www.gssem.org/highestawards to learn more about the Girl Scouts Gold Awards