- Published
- 27 April 2023
- Journal article
Respite and connection: Autistic adults' reflections upon nature and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic
- Authors
- Source
- Autism
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns provided opportunities to engage and reconnect with nature, with many people noting associated benefits to well-being. Research from the pandemic period has largely focused on the way neurotypical or general populations experienced nature; less is known about how autistic people used nature to support well-being during this time. In this qualitative survey study of 127 autistic adults in the United Kingdom, we used reflexive thematic analysis of text box responses to develop two themes: respite in nature and connecting amid widespread disconnection. For some autistic adults during the pandemic, nature provided physical distance from others or from crowded homes, enabling them to use nature to experience relief from stress. In addition, some participants felt more psychologically connected to nature itself during the pandemic, while for others, nature served as a way of connecting with others during a potentially isolating time. These findings have implications for autistic people and their families and carers who may want to seek out nature-based activities to support well-being in the wake of the pandemic.
Cite as
Friedman, S., Noble, R., Archer, S., Gibson, J. & Hughes, C. 2023, 'Respite and connection: Autistic adults' reflections upon nature and well-being during the Covid-19 pandemic', Autism, 27(8), pp. 2483-2495. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231166462