Nature as therapy: can outdoor play boost mental health in neurodivergent kids?

NCT ID NCT07203469

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Sorlandet Hospital HF Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study in Norway is testing whether nature-based group activities—like outdoor education and therapy—can improve quality of life for 240 children and youth with ADHD, autism, or Tourette's. Participants will take part in 10- to 12-week programs in schools or healthcare settings. Researchers will measure changes in happiness, stress, self-esteem, and heart rate to see if being outdoors helps more than indoor activities.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: nature-based group activities (outdoor education and therapy)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a low-cost, drug-free way to boost well-being and daily functioning for neurodivergent children.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with no control group for some parts, so results may be due to other factors. It's also specific to Norway, so findings may not apply elsewhere.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, inattentive type attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder autism autism spectrum disorder Tourette syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ADHD - ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER WITH HYPERACTIVITY AUTISM HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE HEART RATE VARIABILITY (HRV) NEURODEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOMES TOURETTE SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ABUP), Sørlandet Hospital HF
RECRUITING

Kristiansand, Agder, 4630, Norway
Department of Sport and Physical Education, University of Agder
RECRUITING

Kristiansand, Agder, 4630, Norway

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