Sharing Nature With Children on the Autism Spectrum and with ADHD

Getting outside with your child with Autism or ADHD does good in so many domains that there is almost no way to lose. Besides getting your child away from screen time, and providing a non-threatening way to catch up and socialize, the sensory experience of being in nature can be immensely beneficial.  

Try these activities:

• Get to know a tree. notice the texture, temperature, and smell of the tree. Observe it in context. What other living things in its environment are dependent on it?
• Senseless: try blocking one sense to bring focus to the others. Use a blindfold, or ear plugs, to see what other sights, sounds, and smells come into awareness.
• Microscope, Telescope:  Start with a micro focus. What is the smallest objects and creatures you notice. gradually increase your awareness until you are noticing large systems like clouds and weather.

Aaron Weintraub, MS runs strength based social skills groups with a focus on children and teenagers with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Shyness. Strengths-based approach in a community based setting. Groups available in Tolland, Mansfield, Willimantic, Hartford, Vernon, Manchester and Coventry Connecticut.