James Beale on how people with autism experience nature-based exercise (NBEX)
Physical activity is good for us. It has physical and psychological benefits. Nature can have a mindfulness effect where we experience ‘soft fascination’, a state where we lose ourselves in our surroundings and allow our attention to wander, rejuvenating and restoring our tired minds. A new study points towards an enhanced benefit for autistic people from exercise in nature-based environments, suggesting it can have a significantly greater wellbeing enhancement than exercising in an urban environment, for example.
Nature-based exercise has a stronger impact than either exercise or nature alone. The synergistic effect has a general wellbeing effect as well as an anti-depressant effect. It’s a positive influence on self-esteem and mood, when compared to exercise in non-nature-based environments.
It is perhaps counterintuitive to suggest autistic people take part in this form of exercise as the unpredictability of nature might trigger some of the symptoms of autism, such as sensory processing difficulties and associated anxiety. However, research we carried out in the Applied Sport and Exercise Science Department at the University of East London has suggested that those with autism do benefit from NBEX. Our study suggested that autistic males did benefit from NBEX in a similar way to a neurotypical group. The participants mentioned various positive associations and wellbeing effects of NBEX. The activity being a space for self-reflection and finding personal meaning, and they experienced undisturbed calmness, in which they were able to rejuvenate in a relaxed, uninterrupted space.
While these benefits were sufficiently valued by the group to stay involved in NBEX, the group also discussed the importance of a positive introduction to NBEX. Previous studies have not mentioned this, and it appears to be especially important to an autistic group. We cannot influence their formative experiences, but we can try to ensure that those starting out on NBEX enjoy a positive experience. Having a purpose and a practical aim of the activity was also deemed important to this group.
Autism studies have been criticised by the autistic community for excluding the autistic voice and involving academics with little appreciation of the autistic community, or for carrying out studies with those who are involved with autistic people, such as parents or carers, rather than with autistic people themselves. This has led to the #nothingaboutuswithoutus movement where the autistic community demands the involvement of autistic people in research.
Our study interviewed autistic people directly, to ensure that their voice was included. Indeed, the interviewer identified as aspie and so was a part of the autistic community, with lived experience of autism and the communications styles in this community. An authentic interpretation was provided in the study results.
Author: James Beale
James Beale
James Beale is Programme Leader for the MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences (Sport Psychology) at the University of East London
Website: https://uel.ac.uk/about-uel/staff/james-beale
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