ADHD? Take ‘em Outside!
21st September, 2011 - Posted by - 1 Comment
For some time now, research has shown the benefits of outdoor play and green spaces on reducing chilren’s ADHD symptoms, as well as reducing stress and anxiety (Source: 2004; Burdette and Whitaker 2005).
To back that up, a new study has been released that offers further reflection on the link between where a child plays and the ADHD symptoms they exhibit.
“A study of more than 400 children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has found a link between the children’s routine play settings and the severity of their symptoms, researchers report. Those who regularly play in outdoor settings with lots of green (grass and trees, for example) have milder ADHD symptoms than those who play indoors or in built outdoor environments, the researchers found. The association holds even when the researchers controlled for income and other variables.”
Why not take a field trip to:
- a local or regional park
- nature center
- botanical garden
- community garden
- nature trail
- You-Pick Farm
Need help naturalizing your outdoor play space? Here are some great resources:
Want more information on the benefits of outdoor play? Download our Tip Sheet!
Need help finding a green play space near you? Look no further than NatureFind, where you can search for places and events by zip code.
So there you have — even more reason to go outside and play today. And tomorrow. And the day after that…
Play on! ~ Bethe
Bethe Almeras, MS, is the HSBS Education & Outreach Director. A long time educator and play advocate, she is passionate about outdoor play and connecting children with nature. In her free time Bethe writes a blog, The Grass Stain Guru, and can often be found playing outside and enjoying Mother Nature. She is particularly fond of chatting with squirrels.
Tags: activity, ADD, ADHD, Health, outdoors, Parent, Physical Activity, Play, playgrounds
Posted on: September 21, 2011
Filed under: Nature & Outdoors, Play
1 Comment
anne
September 22nd, 2011 at 8:33 am
Love all your tips for physical outdoor activities!
I often have outdoor excursions with our kids and then we turn them into a learning experience by following up their interests at home.Sometimes with craft or justa personal project. Check out my blog if you like:
http://www.our-three.blogspot.com
Leave a reply