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Where Wild Things Grow: Nature- and Activity-based Group Interventions for Neurodivergent Children and Youth
Sponsor: Sorlandet Hospital HF
Summary
The goal of this action research project is to develop and implement nature- and activity-based group interventions across health care, school and leisure settings in Southern Norway. The interventions are tailored to support the mental health, self-efficacy and daily life functioning of children and youth in the Agder region, with a particular focus on youngsters who struggle due to neurodivergence, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Tourette's syndrome. The main questions we aim to answer are: 1. To what extent does nature- and activity-based outdoor education contribute to improvements in children's quality of life? 2. To what extent does nature- and activity-based interventions in a health care setting improve children's self-efficacy, self-esteem and quality of life? 3. Is there a difference in physiological reactions between nature-based provision of education or therapy and traditional indoor provision of education or therapy? Participants will take part in a 12-week school-based or health care intervention.
Official title: Where Wild Things Grow: Immediate and Long-term Impact of Nature- and Activity-based Group Interventions for Neurodivergent Children and Youth in School, Health Care and Leisure Settings in Agder
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
5 Years - 18 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
240
Start Date
2025-09-01
Completion Date
2027-06-15
Last Updated
2025-10-02
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Universal approach
In this intervention, the whole class participates in a 12-week nature-based experiential education program
Selective approach
In this intervention, an intentional group of pupils with an identified need is recruited from different classes within the same school to participate in a 12-week nature-based experiential education program
Outdoor therapy
This intervention is a 10-week outdoor therapy group treatment that takes place in nearby nature
Climbing therapy
This intervention is a 10-week climbing therapy group treatment that takes place indoors in a climbing hall
Locations (2)
Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ABUP), Sørlandet Hospital HF
Kristiansand, Agder, Norway
Department of Sport and Physical Education, University of Agder
Kristiansand, Agder, Norway