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This week’s blog explores ways to access nature for Neurodivergent well-being. 

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From parks to forests to oceans, nature is a great tool in supporting regulating nervous systems. How, you may be asking, do I know this? The flippant answer is simple - the sun has come out and I have taken to spending a chunk of my day under a tree in my local park. The sunshine and time spent with a book on the grass brings a sense of calm that I struggle to find in winter. The slightly less flippant answer is the wide body of research that supports being in nature for well-being. Nature is important for nervous system regulation. Research ranging from work on forest schools to support Neurodiverse groups to national level build standards shows nature is crucial to well-being.  

I am lucky in that I grew up surrounded by woods and fields, now however I find myself in the urban sprawl. I find myself longing for the cool of the woods and the smell of dried grass as the noise of a busy street comes through my window. I have over the years, however, found ways to connect with the natural world despite my urbanite existence. The first of these is to find your local green space - public gardens and parks are a lifeline. Being able to literally touch the grass.    

This is all well and good but access to green spaces is a luxury for many of us. Additionally for some of us leaving the house isn’t always a reliable option, but don’t worry - I’ve got you covered. If you cannot for whatever reason go out into nature then bringing nature to you is an excellent option. Houseplants can change the way a space feels. Don’t just take my word for it, the Design for the Mind PAS 6463 has a section on building standards regarding bringing the outdoors inside. Plants that require minimal watering and upkeep such as cacti and succulents are a good call for maximum effect and minimum additional work. If you have younger children (or are perpetually young at heart yourself) growing cress and other micro-salads allows you to play with the earth even if space is limited. They also give quick results - again excellent for younger children or those of us prone to Neurodivergent waiting mode. 

Now this next suggestion might sound a bit strange as it doesn’t actually involve real world nature. Many of us relish in the sights and sounds of nature, however for some of us the great outdoors becomes a sensory hell. This is where technology comes in. There is a wealth of sounds from nature available online, find one that works for you, take a five minute break and just listen. I have heard from a family member who in his own words loves playing in the mud, that playing video games that are based in the natural world and focus on outdoor activity have a similar effect for him. 

Finding ways to embrace the natural world when green spaces are difficult to access can feel daunting, especially if you’re dealing with sensory sensitivities. By being creative with how we experience nature we can engage with the natural world in a way that works with our sensory needs. Now there is a park and a shady tree calling for me, if you need me I’ll be working in nature.