Last Child in the Woods

For those of you who don't know, I am the mother of three special needs children. My 16 year old has a form of high functioning autism called Asperger Syndrome. During the early years, it was marked, primarily, by sensory processing issues and a lack of connectiveness with his environment, and, most disturbingly, people. It is that connecting that I'd like to address in today's blog.

In 2005, Richard Louv, a journalist, wrote the national bestseller Last Child in the Woods for which he won the 2008 Audubon Medal. In the book, Louv coined the phrase "nature-deficit disorder" which referred to the worldwide trend that "children are spending less time outdoors, resulting in a wide range of behavioral problems." This book has spawned the Children and Nature Movement across the globe. It is based on the simple idea that: "the child in nature is an endangered species, and the health of children and the health of the Earth are inseparable."

The reason I bring this up is simple. Although not directly targeting special needs kids, this article expounds on the therapeutic virtues of spending time outdoors, and, although my son doesn't clamour to the door at the mention of taking a hike, such diversions have a huge impact on his mental acuity.

My child has a huge talent for playing electronic games, but it drains him, leaves him wild-eyed and agitated, and he simply can't regulate the time he spends holed up in his room. I find that I am trying to keep tabs on him, making sure he doesn't wile away four hours at one sitting!!!

Over the years, I have noticed he is more present, engaging and calm when he has a bit of fresh air in his lungs. Because he is not self-directed in unfamiliar tasks, he is in charge of taking the dog for a walk everyday. That is a concrete objective that still gives in to the "being outdoors" school of thought.

If you live in a place without easy access to parks or hiking trails, take advantage of neighborhood walks. I promise you will see a difference in your child. According to Louv, "No one among us wants to be a member of the last generation to pass on to our children the joy of playing outside in nature."

visit www.childrenandnature.org. or http://richardlouv.com.

Stop and smell the roses!