SENSORY STRATEGIES
NATURE NOTES
I am pleased to turn this column to landscape designer Julia Wilson, who also happens to have a minor in disability studies. Julia is very interested in design projects that feature inclusivity at its core, and she completed her thesis on outdoor design for children with autism. Julia can be reached at: juliahvwilson@gmail.com. Thank you, Julia, for preparing a wonderful article about nature bathing. Nature bathing does not happen in a pool or bathtub! It can happen in your own backyard, a dedicated corner of your home, or in a local park. All that’s needed are some plants and about 20 minutes. By spending time in green spaces, you and your child may benefit from experiencing a reduction in negative emotions like stress and depression (Li, 2010; Park, 2010). In fact, studies have shown children with
68 | Exceptional Needs Today | Issue 6
Nature Bathing:
autism who have regular interaction with green spaces typically demonstrate more positive, relaxed moods and better emotional regulation (Bradley, 2017; Larson, et al., 2018; Li, et al., 2018). Time in nature has also been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, so, as you might be thinking, the whole family can benefit from this health-promoting practice (Ideno, et al., 2017).
A Multi-Sensory Experience for Better Emotional Regulation
Through a “bathing” practice that grounds sensation in nature, you and your child can enjoy different multi-sensory experiences. This is important because our sensory systems play a role in everything we do in our lives, so why not involve them in nature bathing? You can do this by inviting your child to interact with plants as they best tolerate, to describe, or to describe for them, different plants they encounter as they “bathe” in any nature setting.
You can ask, “Which leaves are rough, and which are smooth? What color are the flowers (leaves, bark, etc.)? What does it smell like?” You may even invite your child to shake the plant very gently if it is hardy, to hear what sound rustling leaves By Amy Wagenfeld, PhD, OTR/L, SCEM, EDAC, FAOTA make with movement. This is a good way to start incorporat-
