<p>Autistic individuals often face restricted access to nature due to caregiver concerns about their child disrupting others or being adversely affected by external stimuli. This limited access has spurred growing interest in the potential roles of nature exposure in relation to autism. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from relevant studies and finds that green space area is inversely associated with autism prevalence. Moreover, engagement in green space activities has been linked to reductions in core and general symptoms and is associated with improvements in life and vocational skills among autistic individuals. Drawing on attention restoration theory, stress reduction theory, and nature preference theory, this reivew elucidates the potential mechanisms through which nature exposure may benefit autistic individuals. Despite these promising findings, previous studies exhibit some limitations, including methodological constraints, inadequate control of variables, and insufficient exploration of underlying mechanisms. To address these gaps, this review recommends that future research strengthen study designs, refine measurement tools, and investigate mediating factors to deepen the understanding of how nature exposure influences outcomes in autistic individuals. Additionally, this review advocates for integrating nature-based interventions with traditional therapeutic approaches to develop personalized, comprehensive intervention programs for autistic individuals, thereby maximizing the therapeutic potential of nature exposure.</p>

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Nature exposure and autism : a narrative review of empirical evidence, theoretical reappraisal, and future research directions

  • Tingting Xie

摘要

Autistic individuals often face restricted access to nature due to caregiver concerns about their child disrupting others or being adversely affected by external stimuli. This limited access has spurred growing interest in the potential roles of nature exposure in relation to autism. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from relevant studies and finds that green space area is inversely associated with autism prevalence. Moreover, engagement in green space activities has been linked to reductions in core and general symptoms and is associated with improvements in life and vocational skills among autistic individuals. Drawing on attention restoration theory, stress reduction theory, and nature preference theory, this reivew elucidates the potential mechanisms through which nature exposure may benefit autistic individuals. Despite these promising findings, previous studies exhibit some limitations, including methodological constraints, inadequate control of variables, and insufficient exploration of underlying mechanisms. To address these gaps, this review recommends that future research strengthen study designs, refine measurement tools, and investigate mediating factors to deepen the understanding of how nature exposure influences outcomes in autistic individuals. Additionally, this review advocates for integrating nature-based interventions with traditional therapeutic approaches to develop personalized, comprehensive intervention programs for autistic individuals, thereby maximizing the therapeutic potential of nature exposure.