The Importance of Outdoor Recreation: A Pathway to Wellness and Skill Development

• By: Hendrix Brakefield Lifeworks for Autism
• April 4th, 2025
• community building, emotional regulation, independent living, nature, outdoor recreation, self-confidence, sensory processing, social skills, Spring 2025 Issue, therapy, vocational skills, wellness
• 112    0

Hippocrates said, “Nature itself is the best physician.” In our work with young adults on the autism spectrum to help them develop the skills to live independently, we follow the ancient Greek physician's advice and ensure that nature plays a crucial role in their growth and...

Harnessing the Power of Nature: Outdoor Sensory Activities for Autistic Children

• By: Andrea Kormanik, OTD, OTR/L Alysha Skuthan, PhD, OTR/L, ASDCS Shenandoah University
• January 10th, 2024
• children, holistic health, independence, integrating nature, mental health benefits, nature, nature exploration, outdoor play, physical health benefits, social well-being benefits, Winter 2024 Issue
• 3853    1

Holistic health improves when children spend time playing outdoors (Dankiw et al., 2020; Gill, 2015; McQuay et al., 2020; McCormick, 2017). Children with autism spectrum disorder demonstrate increased world connections with outdoor sensory activities, as the natural environment affords more...