A growing consensus among experts is that, if Americans are going to leave their homes, it’s safer to be outside than in the office or the mall. With fresh air and more space between people, the risk goes down. (New York Times, May 15, 2020; updated July 3, 2020).
“I think outdoors is so much better than indoors in almost all cases,” said Linsey Marr, an engineering professor and aerosol scientist at Virginia Tech. “There’s so much dilution that happens outdoors. As long as you’re staying at least six feet apart, I think the risk is very low.” (New York Times, May 15, 2020; updated July 3, 2020).
Pandemic life is safer outdoors, in part, because even a light wind will quickly dilute the virus. If a person nearby is sick, the wind will scatter the virus, potentially exposing nearby people but in far smaller quantities, which are less likely to be harmful. (New York Times, May 15, 2020; updated July 3, 2020).
Statistically reliable findings through various meta-analyses all point in the same direction—
that being in nature for extended periods of time improves well-being, communication, and social interaction. And for typically developing children, repeated outdoor programming has demonstrated clear improvement in social skills, better fine and gross motor skills, better concentration, and even higher standardized test scores.
While deliberate experiences in nature can be beneficial to everyone, research clearly reveals that gains made in an outdoor setting for persons with executive functioning challenges are even stronger than for a typical population—specifically, the greener the setting, the more the relief of symptoms—and the more time spent indoors and on electronics, the more the symptoms return.
Intentional programming in the outdoors for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can provide innovative and alternative ways to reach and teach a population that is often difficult to engage.
With our Columbus offices adjacent to St. Ann's Hospital and directly across the street from Sharon Woods, we explore 761 acres of woods and open fields surrounded by beech-maple and oak-hickory forests--while learning critical decision-making and how to work in a team.
Our Hocking Hills property resides on 18 acres of private land, is located 10 minutes from Old Man's Cave, and is 20 minutes from Wayne National Forest. The property is wheelchair accessible and is also near Conkle's Hollow (a wheelchair accessible trail).
Facilitating Group Cohesion + Collective Decision Making
Writing + Reflection
Enhancing Self-Awareness + Self-Direction
Using Tools in Nature
Working in Small Groups
Experiencing Effectiveness
We take most insurance company payments, including Medicaid. Telehealth intakes are available.