Nature as therapy: can outdoor play boost mental health in neurodivergent kids?
NCT ID NCT07203469
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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 240 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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5 to 18 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * In PhD 1, participants are recruited on class-level (all) or individual (identified need). * In PhD 2, inclusion criteria are patients that participate in the specific interventions. Exclusion Criteria: * In PhD 2, exclusion criteria include substance misuse, acute psychosis, current suicidal behavior/ideation, and severe eating disorders.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
2 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ABUP), Sørlandet Hospital HF
RECRUITINGKristiansand, Agder, 4630, Norway
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Department of Sport and Physical Education, University of Agder
RECRUITINGKristiansand, Agder, 4630, Norway
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