ature has an undeniable impact on our wellbeing. From reducing stress, promoting positive emotions and boosting mood to improving physical health, fostering connection and restoring attention, we need nature. Unfortunately time in nature is on a decline. In a national study of over 11,000 children aged 3-5, nearly 4 in 10 children played outdoors for less than 1 hour on weekdays, with little improvement on the weekends. Children are spending less time outside, contributing to what researcher Richard Louv has coined as “nature-deficit disorder.”
Asante and his Family, Living the Benefit of a Nature Prescription
Not Asante! He’s an 11 year old living in Gulfport Mississippi loves the outdoors especially when it includes time with his family.
“Asante is big on being outside. He loves to do outside things. When we include him going outside it is a happy point for him,” shared Daffney Jackson, Asante’s mother.
One of Asante’s favorite nature activities is fishing. When he’s casting off a pier or standing on the beach, his excitement is contagious — his face lights up, he claps and he alerts his family that a fish has hit the line. Asante is getting the benefit of a Nature Prescription. A Nature Prescription encourages spending at least 120 minutes per week outdoors. For autistic children, nature provides unique sensory experiences supporting emotional regulation and social engagement.
Whether fishing with his family or helping with yard work being outside brings Asante immense joy. Asante provides a reminder that being outside is about connection, including and finding joy in shared experiences.
Increased time in nature is linked to everything from improved sensory, social, and behavioral functioning to enhanced focus and greater subjective wellbeing. Not all nature experiences look the same. The key is to find what works for you — the spaces, textures, sounds and sensory experiences that bring a sense of joy, serenity and connection. This connection is particularly true when Asante gets a fish on his line — he insists on having a picture taken with every fish he lands!