Millions of individuals and families are affected by autism – now estimated to occur in 1 in 31 U.S. children. Neurosensory challenges for those on the autism spectrum, as well as others living with sensory processing issues, become obstacles to participating in life activities. The sound of traffic, a breeze on one’s face, or the flickering shadows of wind-blown leaves can cause highly sensitive individuals to freeze up in outdoor settings. The cacophony of people talking, the smell of food, chemicals or perfume, and the flickering of fluorescent lights can make indoor settings even more challenging. The mere thought of leaving home can be overwhelming.

Autism Outdoors: A Guide to Finding Calm in Nature presents practical, uplifting information to help individuals on the autism spectrum of any age—as well as their families and support workers—enjoy time in nature, increasingly recognized as a powerful source of physical and mental health benefits. Whether a nonverbal autistic person who needs constant supervision or a capable individual diagnosed with autism as an adult, this book offers specific techniques and a mindset for working past challenges. Official research as well as the author’s own experience supports the core premise of Autism Outdoors—that time in nature, even in small doses, can positively transform individuals overwhelmed by sensory input. Adapting to sensory input from nature in turn makes indoor settings easier to cope with.

Autism Outdoors offers a positive mindset, sharing helpful concepts, step-by-step techniques, and tools for working past sensory obstacles to benefit from time in nature, which in turn can help with cognitive processing skills, attention and focus, and social interaction. These concepts apply to all ability levels: those with high support needs, moderate support needs, and individuals who are independent but seek guidance, along with their families and support staff. This book will offer readers not only hands-on information, but also a universal sense of hope in the face of daunting challenges.