Respite and connection: Autistic adults' reflections upon nature and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Samantha Friedman, Roan Noble, Stephanie Archer and 2 others
PMID 37113030WHAT IT FOUND
Most autistic adults found nature provided respite from sensory overload and isolation during lockdowns, while others felt excluded by restrictions or anxious in crowds.
Nature was not a universal solution; experiences varied from relief to disconnection.
Key findings
0147.9% of respondents reported spending more time in nature during the pandemic, often because fewer people in public spaces reduced sensory triggers and made access easier.
02Nature served as a way to connect with others or the self when social interaction was restricted, with some participants developing new habits like walking or birdwatching.
03A minority of participants reported negative experiences, including increased anxiety due to crowds as restrictions eased, or feeling disconnected because they could not touch natural elements due to hygiene fears.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
The sample was recruited online and via autistic community groups, so it likely represents people who are computer-literate, have spare time, and are already engaged with these networks. The sample was not representative of the wider autistic population: 60.6% identified as women, whereas UK estimates suggest a 3:1 male-to-female ratio in diagnosed autistic adults. Participants had to be able to write detailed responses, which may exclude those who prefer verbal communication or have co-occurring intellectual disabilities. The study did not collect data on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, which are known to influence access to and experience of nature. Self-diagnosed autistic adults were included alongside clinically diagnosed individuals, which may affect the generalisability of findings to the diagnosed population.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. Funding was provided by St Edmund’s College, University of Cambridge, and the Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume nature is universally beneficial for autistic patients. A significant minority found it inaccessible, anxiety-inducing, or disconnected due to pandemic restrictions or sensory barriers.