Benefits of Group-based Wilderness Trips for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulty with communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviors or thoughts (Heflin & Alaimo, 2007). These deficiencies can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, isolation and depression which in turn can lead to a lower quality of life (QoL). Since the late 1990’s cases of ASD have skyrocketed. It is now estimated that 1 in 68 children have been identified as having ASD (Christensen et al., 2016). There is little agreement on the cause of autism. Most of the research on how to ameliorate these symptoms, is directed to better understand how the individual can achieve a higher QoL. As one approach to QoL, nature-based recreation has been shown to ease similar symptoms in other audiences (Duvall & Kaplan, 2014). While traditional behavioral intervention strategies are well represented in literature, there are pragmatic theories that are gaining traction (Prelock & McCauley, 2012). Yet, there is currently little research on the effects of nature-based group recreation for children with ASD. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of nature-based group recreation on youth with ASD. Participating in a wilderness experience is an area that has shown to increase QoL in similar audiences (Duvall & Kaplan, 2014). The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Teen Report was used to measure the effects of this nature-based group recreation approach as well as conducting informal interviews and observations. This was a pilot study to determine if further research was needed. Results were mixed. Quantitative data showed no statistically significant change in pre/post assessment. Qualitative data indicated potential QoL benefits to participation. Groupbased wilderness trips for youth with ASD is a potential avenue to explore for increases in QoL.