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Australian occupational therapy journal2024; 71(4); 513-526; doi: 10.1111/1440-1630.12940

Being in a meaningful context. Nature and animal-assisted activities as perceived by adults with autism.

Abstract: Animal-assisted and nature-based interventions in psychosocial treatment for various groups of clients have been studied internationally. However, there is little knowledge about how young adults with autism experience participation in such types of interventions. This clinical study aimed to describe the feasibility of animal-assisted and nature-based activities on a farm as a complementary intervention for young adults with autism and social withdrawal. Methods: The participants were aged 18-30 years, diagnosed with autism and social withdrawal, with no organised occupation during the previous year. Eleven of 13 participants completed a 12-week intervention in small groups. They took part in interviews before and after, which focused on their current life situation and expectations about, and experiences of the intervention. The feasibility was described in terms of participants' characteristics, attendance, and their experiences of participating in the activity. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Unassigned: The intervention was formed in collaboration with participating supervisors, ordinary clinical staff, and a young woman with a user perspective. Results: The level of feasibility was found to be high. The mean participation rate during the activity days was 75% and varied from 50 to 100%. The analysis of the participants' experiences from the activity generated three categories, "Being in a meaningful context", "Creating a comfort zone" and "Developing structure in everyday life", and each of these included sub-categories. Conclusions: The main categories revealed a dynamic process based in meaningfulness, comfort and structure in everyday life. The positive experiences of undemanding activities, emotional relationships and non-verbal communication with the horses were prominent and might facilitate the development of social interaction. However, the intervention's timeframe of 12 weeks was experienced as too short for long-lasting change.
© 2024 The Authors. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Occupational Therapy Australia.
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Publication Date: 2024-02-27 PubMed ID: 38410868DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12940Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Overview

  • This study examined how young adults with autism and social withdrawal experienced participating in animal-assisted and nature-based activities on a farm.
  • The research aimed to evaluate the feasibility and perceived benefits of these activities as a complementary psychosocial intervention.

Background

  • Animal-assisted and nature-based interventions have been explored internationally as supportive psychosocial treatments for various client groups.
  • Despite this, there is limited knowledge about the specific experiences of young adults with autism participating in these interventions.
  • Young adults with autism often face social withdrawal and challenges with social interactions and daily structure.

Study Objectives

  • To assess the feasibility of implementing animal-assisted and nature-based activities as a complementary intervention on a farm.
  • To understand the personal experiences, expectations, and perceived impacts of these activities among young adults with autism and social withdrawal.

Methods

  • Participants: 13 young adults aged 18-30 years diagnosed with autism and social withdrawal, none engaged in organized occupation during the previous year.
  • Intervention: A 12-week small group activity program involving animal-assisted and nature-based activities on a farm.
  • Data Collection: Interviews were conducted before and after the intervention to capture participants’ life situations, expectations, and experiences.
  • Data Analysis: Used descriptive statistics for quantitative data (e.g., attendance rates) and qualitative content analysis for interview data.
  • Intervention Design: Developed collaboratively with supervisors, clinical staff, and an individual with lived experience (“user perspective”).

Results: Feasibility and Participation

  • High feasibility was indicated by strong participation rates with a mean attendance of 75% across activity days.
  • Attendance varied between 50-100%, showing good engagement despite the participants’ social withdrawal challenges.

Results: Participants’ Experiences

  • Three major thematic categories emerged from qualitative analysis:
    • Being in a meaningful context: Participants felt their involvement was purposeful and emotionally rewarding.
    • Creating a comfort zone: The environment and activities fostered a safe, undemanding space, reducing social pressure.
    • Developing structure in everyday life: Participation helped introduce routine and organization, which participants valued.
  • Sub-categories provided further insights such as the importance of emotional connections, especially non-verbal communication with horses.

Discussion and Interpretation

  • The study showed that farm-based animal-assisted and nature activities can be feasible and beneficial for young adults with autism who experience social withdrawal.
  • Meaningful involvement and a comfortable, low-demand social setting helped participants engage and could promote social interaction skills.
  • Emotional bonding and non-verbal communication with animals—horses in particular—were significant positive experiences that may support social development.
  • Participants noted the 12-week duration was relatively short, suggesting longer interventions might be necessary to foster enduring changes.

Conclusions

  • Animal-assisted and nature-based activities provide a promising complementary intervention for young adults with autism and social withdrawal.
  • Key factors such as meaningful context, comfort, and daily structure were fundamental in enhancing participant experience and engagement.
  • Future programs might consider extending duration and further tailoring to support long-term benefits.

Cite This Article

APA
Gunnarsson AB, Aurin IE, Holmberg S. (2024). Being in a meaningful context. Nature and animal-assisted activities as perceived by adults with autism. Aust Occup Ther J, 71(4), 513-526. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12940

Publication

Australian occupational therapy journal
ISSN: 1440-1630
NlmUniqueID: 15420200R
Country: Australia
Language: English
Volume: 71
Issue: 4
Pages: 513-526

Researcher Affiliations

Gunnarsson, A Birgitta
  • Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
  • Department of Research and Development, Växjö, Sweden.
Aurin, Ingrid Edvardsson
  • Department of Research and Development, Växjö, Sweden.
Holmberg, Sara
  • Department of Research and Development, Växjö, Sweden.
  • Department of Medicine and Optometry, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.
  • Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Sweden.

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Female
  • Adult
  • Occupational Therapy / methods
  • Male
  • Young Adult
  • Animal Assisted Therapy / methods
  • Autistic Disorder / rehabilitation
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Feasibility Studies

Grant Funding

  • Region Kronoberg
  • Southern HealthCare Region
  • Föreningen Växjöhälsan (Health Association Växjö) Sweden

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