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It comes from the idea that since the beginning of time , humans have been naturally inclined toward nature and can therefore benefit from connecting with it . It can be a relaxing walk along the beach or form part of a structured therapy program for children dealing with ADHD , for example . In all cases , people report positive outcome ; in children , including those with special needs , it promotes cognitive development , calmer , more stable behaviour , and qualities of empathy , patience , and perseverance .
Such outcomes are no surprise to Barbados-based neurologist Toni Nicholls , who believes that “ our brains are built for nature ”; like many other mental health professionals worldwide , she integrates ecotherapy with conventional treatment for her patients . She stresses that anything in the child ’ s natural environment can be stimulating : from her experience , gardening is a valuable tool for teaching planning and healthy ways of dealing with disappointment , while walks to a nearby pond can encourage focus and attention to detail .
Here are some other ways parents can engage special needs children with nature and witness positive results :
1 . Go on a day trip to a park , forest , beach , etc .
2 . Grow a plant or help with gardening
3 . Spend some time with a pet or support animal or visit a farm or another environment where animals are kept in a safe and healthy way
4 . Look at some photos or videos of nature scenes and draw a picture of them or sketch plants from around the house
5 . Play nature sounds as a backdrop to naptime or the bedtime story
6 . Do outdoor family activities such as picnics , games / sports , hiking and camping ( camping can even be done in the backyard !)
7 . If the child is in therapy , ask if a session can be done outside
8 . Go outside at night and look at the stars
9 . Read poetry or a story about nature to your child and have him / her talk about it . Have him / her write poetry about a nature scene .
10 . Do homework in an outdoor setting
The list of possible activities is endless , so parents have to consider what ’ s available , affordable , and interesting to the child . The key , as Nicholls emphasizes , is to simply get the child in contact with nature in any of its many forms ( bearing in mind the child ’ s unique needs ). Although more research is needed to be able to predict and quantify the effects of ecotherapy , it continues to increase in popularity as an option in mental health therapy for all children . Consider also that putting a child in touch with nature encourages the awareness and concern about the environment so vital to our journey through the global climate crisis .