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Benefits of Nature Walks for Children with Autism

Nature walks have significant benefits on the well-being and development of children with autism.
Nature walks have significant benefits on the well-being and development of children with autism.

From a walk in the nearby park to a hike in the nature reserves, exposure to nature has been linked to various benefits, especially for children with autism. This exposure can range from a simple walk along the trail, to scaffolding the child’s learning in nature such as identifying various plants or insects, to providing opportunities for exploration of the environment through sensory activities, eg. feeling the textures of the leaves or tree bark, physical activities, eg. climbing stairs, balancing along narrow paths, jumping over small rock, or cooperative tasks, eg. creating nature art with leaves and branches (Little & Rice, 2021). 


Some benefits of nature walks include: 


Sensory engagement 

  • Nature walks provide an array of sensory exploration, which allows children with autism to be exposed to various sensory input in a natural, less-threatening environment 

  • These include sounds (birds chirping, people walking, rustling leaves, animal calls), smell (fresh leaves, floral fragrance, earthy scent of trees and mud), and textures (soft grass, hard pavement, crunchy leaves, squishy mud).  


Improved cognitive activity

  • Their observations of the environment can promote exploration and be used as learning opportunities (eg. observing a caterpillar crawling on the leaf -> describing its shape, colour & movements, describing its life cycle, identifying it as an insect, and identifying other insects in the environment)

  • Spending time in nature can improve children’s observational skills, develop imagination and a sense of wonder and curiosity, enhancing creativity 


Enhanced emotional functioning

  • Regular exercise (eg. walks or jogs) is linked to a higher self-efficacy and reduced emotional problems, such as emotional outbursts and anger tantrums

  • The environment in nature walks provides a more peaceful atmosphere, less-stimulating environment for children with autism. Additionally, sounds heard during nature walks (eg. water flowing, birds chirping, leaves rustling) can have a soothing effect on the nervous system, reducing self-stimulation behaviours. 

  • Physical activities, including taking walks, releases endorphins, which improves mood and increases feelings of happiness and well-being


Improvements in behavioural functioning

  • Engaging in nature walks can reduce hyperactivity and irritability, leading to more regulated behaviours 

  • Spending time in nature can also increase attention and pro-social behaviours in children with autism 


Encourages physical activity 

  • It is encouraged for children to engage in 60 minutes of physical activity, and taking nature walks can encourage exercise in a fun and engaging way.  

  • Apart from improving balance, flexibility and the development of gross motor skills, physical activity can also reduce future health problems such as heart diseases and metabolic disorders, especially in children with autism. 


Conclusion


Nature walks provide numerous benefits for children with autism, which can support the overall development and well-being of children with autism. Apart from these benefits nature walks bring to children, taking nature walks as a family can promote family bonding and create a meaningful and positive experience for the whole family!


Additional information: 


Written by: Mary-Anne 



References


Barakat, H. A., Bakr, A., & El-Sayad, Z. (2019). Nature as a healer for autistic children. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 58(1), 353–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2018.10.014


Canva. (n.d.). Benefits of nature walks for children with autism [Canva design]. Canva. https://www.canva.com/design/DAF_aIMTMd4/4Sm5ZDu9Me08n2GTp6IauA/edit


Fan, M. S., Li, W. H. C., Ho, L. L. K., Phiri, L., & Choi, K. C. (2023). Nature-based interventions for autistic children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA network open, 6(12), Article e2346715. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.46715


Li, D., Larsen, L., Yang, Y., Wang, L., Zhai, Y., & Sullivan, W. C. (2019). Exposure to nature for children with autism spectrum disorder: Benefits, caveats, and barriers. Health & Place, 55, 71–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.11.005


Little, S., & Rice, A. (2021). At the intersection of the social and physical environments: Building a model of the influence of caregivers and peers on direct engagement with nature. Geographies, 1(1), 63–78. https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies1010005


Martín-Rodríguez, A., Gostian-Ropotin, L. A., Beltrán-Velasco, A. I., Belando-Pedreño, N., Simón, J. A., López-Mora, C., Navarro-Jiménez, E., Tornero-Aguilera, J. F., & Clemente-Suárez, V. J. (2024). Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health. Sports, 12(1), 37–77. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12010037


Sakhvidi, M. J., Knobel, P., Bauwelinck, M., de Keijzer, C., Boll, L. M., Spano, G., Ubalde-Lopez, M., Sanesi, G., Mehrparvar, A. H., Jacquemin, B., & Dadvand, P. (2022). Greenspace exposure and children behavior: A systematic review. The Science of the total environment, 824(12), Article e153608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153608


Sowa, M., & Meulenbroek, R. (2012). Effects of physical exercise on autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6(1), 46–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2011.09.001


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