Exploring the great outdoors!

Warm and sunny spring days after a long winter recently sparked some ideas about how we can provide support to those living with autism spectrum disorder.

We all know how time outside, soaking in that much needed vitamin D from the sun, is super healthy for us. According to a New York Times story, the benefits of exercising outside might improve dispositions or inspire greater commitment to an exercise program. People who spend active time outdoors have lower levels of cortisol, which is a hormone related to stress. After exertion takes place, that exposure to direct sunlight is known to positively affect mood.

Natural Environment Teaching means that one uses the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis and relates them to the real world. For example, instead of teaching a child how to label a cup in a discreet trial format, one would set up a teaching scenario in the kitchen where the cups are located. Teaching in the natural environment promotes motivation, diversified learning, and generalization. It decreases dependency on prompts, apathy, and the inability to transfer skills. Why not take it into nature?

Toddlers, school-age children, and older teenagers can all benefit from learning outside. Most learning may probably takes place indoors, due to structure, materials, and organizational needs, but time outdoors can be an added bonus. Nature naturally allows for multi-sensory learning, pairing the environment with reinforcement, physical activity, healthy exposure to sunlight, and social skills development.

Imagine expanding receptive and expressive language as you hike or take a walk — the environmental scenery provides a colored tapestry for labeling. For instance, a parent questions while pointing, “What’s that?” The child answers, “A rock.” Intraverbal fill-ins can carry a conversation along many a trail. Adult says, “Let’s pick a ____,” and child says, “Flower.”

Strolling down any Main Street can lead to practicing a host of cognitive skills. Playing “I Spy” as you pass signs and storefronts can lead to finding certain colors, numbers, and letters. Time spent lounging in a beach chair along the sea is a perfect setting for positively practicing being calm, having a relaxed body, and keeping voices quiet or silent. These are all replacement behaviors for physical or verbal offenses. Practice leads to pro-social improvement!

Try your best to take advantage of sunny days and inviting weather. As always, proactively have a plan in mind — and inform your special needs child prior to departure. End excursions on positive notes in order to promote positive outings in the future.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Camp Woodward

<p>For those who live action sports, a week at Woodward West is beyond anything they’ve ever imagined. With an over 50-year legacy of teaching athletes balance and agility, Woodward knows what it takes to learn and be the best in the sports kids love. That is why we’ve built the most innovative parks, with features and training tools that help reduce injury and give kids a safe space to progress in the sports they love.  </p> <p>11 weeks of summer camp offered in 2024 will feature the following programs:</p> <p>- Skateboarding</p> <p>- Scooter riding</p> <p>- BMX freestyle biking</p> <p>- BMX racing</p> <p>- Parkour</p> <p>- Roller skating</p> <p>- Multisport</p> <p> </p> <p>The multisport program is a great place where kids can get a taste of all the action sports and discover their true passion!</p> <p>Woodward instruction and parks are built for progression, while recreational activities guarantee campers never have a dull moment. There are also pro athletes and Olympians in attendance each week who teach and hang with campers all week long.</p> <p>There’s no place like it. Join us this summer!</p>

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

Ballet Academy East SUMMERDANCE Camp

<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A fun-filled summer program designed to foster imagination and inspire a love of the arts</span></strong></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Ballet Academy East is proud to once again offering its much-loved and very popular SUMMERDANCE CAMP this summer! Summerdance is a fun-filled program for children 3-7 years, designed to foster imagination and inspire a love of the arts. Activities include a variety of dance forms, arts & crafts, drama, musical theater, cooking, origami, and much more! Classes are led by BAE’s talented and dedicated instructors who specialize in teaching and encouraging young children. Group size is limited to promote a fully interactive experience and individual attention for each child. Sign up for all 7 weeks or design your own week-to-week schedule.</p>