Walking together: exploring australian parent experiences of walking in nature with their preschool children with autism using a bioecological lens

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Walking regularly in natural settings is a common healthy activity for Australian parents and their preschool children. Extant research conveys that walking in nature provides cognitive, emotional and physical benefits for both parents and children. Children with autism are less likely to participate in physical activity or access nature regularly, and autistic adults are less likely to hold pro-environmental views. While research exploring the experiences of typical parents and preschoolers exists, the perceptions of parents of preschool children with autism on walking is yet to be studied. METHODS: This paper examines the experiences of parents of children with autism using Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model as a theoretical framework. We recruited 20 parents of preschoolers with autism and a comparison group of 12 parents of preschoolers without autism and invited them to complete an online qualitative survey about walking together in nature. RESULTS: . Parents identified that walking in nature provided opportunities for developmental growth for their children such as increased communication, connection and calm, but also highlighted challenges such as differences in moving together in coordination. CONCLUSION: We advocate that supporting family priorities includes supporting their ability to access everyday activities such as walking in nature, a common activity that provides rich opportunities for parents and their preschoolers with autism.