Why I avoided outings to local parks and natural areas

Parenting a neurodivergent child can feel chaotic and we find ourselves getting caught up in the expectations of the neurotypical world.

Getting out the door is enough to overwhelm us, let alone planning where to go that won’t leave us as parents feeling like the one family who can’t even go to the park.

As a parent, I've had so many experiences of knowing that I should get my kid outside more, but the anxiety of:

What if they run off?

What if they hate it and it's not worth the work of getting out the door?

What if we get there and it's too crowded and we have to leave right away?

Those questions, connected with innumerable experiences of my kid eloping and not being able to find him across the field or on a crowded play structure, or showing up with a picnic packed and a backpack ready only to see right away that it's wayyy to crowded for his nervous system, but not wanting to leave because we put so much effort into getting here! 

In occupational therapy, we talk about person–environment–occupation fit. Regulation is not just an internal skill. It is shaped by where we are.

Some outdoor spaces support nervous systems beautifully. Others do not. And, if your child is neurodivergent, chances are their window of tolerance for environments that have stressors  or triggers is much narrower. 

So, we wanted to create a tool for parents based on work from Child-Centered Play Therapy, Nature-Based Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, that would help you identify best fits for outdoor outings, and that would also help give you a visual framework to look back at when you are deciding whether to go out or stay in. 

We are selling this one to help support our team and the effort that went into this collaboration. It's 5.99 and we hope it helps. Thank YOU for helping support us and being part of our community. 

Why Outdoor Play Is So Powerful for the Proprioceptive and Vestibular Systems

When children seek out movement that looks big, intense, repetitive, or “never-ending,” they’re often not being wild or dysregulated. They’re communicating a sensory need.

Two of the most foundational sensory systems driving these behaviors are the proprioceptive system and the vestibular system. When these systems are well supported, children tend to feel more organized in their bodies, calmer in their nervous systems, and more available for learning, connection, and play. And one of the most effective places to support them is outdoors.

Understanding the Two Systems

Proprioception gives us information about where our body is in space and how much force our muscles are using. It comes from receptors in the muscles, joints, and connective tissue.

Children often seek proprioceptive input through:

• Pushing, pulling, lifting, or carrying heavy objects
  
  

• Crashing into things (safely or not)
  
  

• Climbing, digging, or rough-and-tumble play
  
  

This system is deeply regulating for the nervous system. Research consistently shows that proprioceptive input has a calming, organizing effect, particularly for children who experience sensory processing differences, ADHD, anxiety, or emotional regulation challenges.

The Vestibular System: Balance, Motion, and Orientation

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, detects movement, speed, direction, and changes in head position.

Children engage this system when they:

• Swing, spin, roll, or slide
  
  

• Run downhill or navigate uneven terrain
  
  

• Hang upside down or shift positions quickly
  
  

This system plays a major role in postural control, coordination, attention, and spatial awareness. It is also tightly linked to arousal. For some children, vestibular input is alerting; for others, it can be disorganizing without enough grounding input from the proprioceptive system.

Why the Outdoors Is Such a Powerful Sensory Regulator

Indoor environments tend to limit the type and variety of sensory input children can access. Outdoors, the sensory experience is richer, more dynamic, and more naturally balanced.

1. Natural Heavy Work Is Built In

Outdoor environments naturally invite proprioceptive input:

• Carrying sticks, rocks, buckets, or backpacks
  
  

• Digging holes, moving logs, pushing carts or strollers
  
  

• Climbing trees, boulders, or playground structures

This “heavy work” provides deep joint compression and muscle activation that supports body awareness and nervous system regulation. Unlike many indoor sensory tools, outdoor proprioceptive input is functional and meaningful, which increases engagement and sustainability.

2. Movement Is More Varied and Functional

Vestibular input outdoors is rarely linear or repetitive in the way indoor equipment can be. Instead, children experience:

• Changes in speed and direction
  
  

• Uneven ground, slopes, and obstacles
  
  

• Whole-body movement integrated with vision and balance
  
  

This variability supports more integrated sensory processing and adaptive motor planning, both of which are linked to executive functioning and emotional regulation.

3. Nature Encourages Self-Pacing

One of the most important regulatory features of outdoor play is that children tend to self-dose their sensory input. They can run hard, then rest. Climb high, then sit quietly. Swing fast, then slow themselves down.

This autonomy supports interoception (internal body awareness) and helps children learn what their bodies need to feel steady and safe.

Proprioceptive + Vestibular Input Together: The Sweet Spot

Research and clinical practice consistently highlight that vestibular input is best tolerated when paired with proprioceptive input. Outdoors, this pairing happens organically.

For example:

• Climbing a tree (vestibular + proprioceptive)
  
  

• Carrying heavy objects across uneven ground
  
  

• Jumping off logs and landing in dirt or sand
  
  

• Pulling a friend on a scooter board or wagon
  
  

This combination supports regulation more effectively than vestibular input alone, which can feel overstimulating or dysregulating for some children.

Who Benefits Most?

While all children benefit from rich sensory experiences, outdoor proprioceptive and vestibular play is especially supportive for children who:

• Are neurodivergent (including ADHD and autism)
  
  

• Seek constant movement or crash play
  
  

• Struggle with emotional regulation or impulsivity
  
  

• Experience anxiety, shutdown, or sensory overwhelm
  
  

• Have difficulty with body awareness or coordination
  
  

Importantly, this kind of play is not about “burning energy.” It’s about organizing the nervous system so children can access calm, focus, and connection.

What This Looks Like at Thrive Outside

At Thrive Outside, we intentionally design outdoor experiences that:

• Offer natural opportunities for heavy work and whole-body movement
  
  

• Balance challenge with emotional and physical safety
  
  

• Allow children to choose, repeat, and adapt activities
  
  

• Support regulation before expecting social or cognitive demands
  
  

We view outdoor movement not as a break from therapy, but as a core therapeutic tool. When children’s sensory systems are supported, everything else becomes more accessible.

A Final Note for Parents-when to seek extra support. 

If your child seems to “need” constant movement, pressure, or intensity, it’s not a behavior problem. It’s a sensory conversation.

Outdoor environments give children the language they need to regulate, organize, and feel at home in their bodies. And when we meet that need intentionally, we often see fewer meltdowns, smoother transitions, and more joyful connection.

What does My Child’s Body Need in Nature?

Many parents notice that time outside does not affect their child in predictable ways. One child may settle and soften with movement, fresh air, and open space, while another becomes dysregulated, overwhelmed, or more reactive. These differences are not a reflection of parenting or effort. They are often a reflection of how a child’s nervous system processes sensory input, movement, and environmental demands.

Research across neuroscience, occupational therapy, and developmental psychology shows that regulation is deeply connected to the nervous system’s ability to interpret safety, stimulation, and connection. Outdoor environments offer rich sensory input, including movement, texture, sound, visual complexity, and temperature. For some children, this combination supports calm and organization. For others, it can feel like too much all at once. Understanding how your child’s body responds to these inputs can help transform outdoor time from stressful or confusing into supportive and grounding.

Nature-based experiences have been shown to support emotional regulation, attention, and stress reduction in children, particularly when environments and activities are well matched to a child’s sensory and nervous system needs (Kuo, 2015; Chawla, 2015). At the same time, research on sensory integration and polyvagal theory highlights that regulation is not about exposure alone. It is about how the nervous system experiences and interprets that exposure in the context of safety, relationship, and predictability (Ayres, 2005; Porges, 2011).

This free guide was created to help parents better understand those nervous system differences. It offers a clear, research-informed framework for observing how your child responds to time outside and for choosing outdoor experiences that support regulation, confidence, and connection. Rather than offering rigid rules or universal prescriptions, the guide encourages curiosity about your child’s unique body and nervous system so outdoor time can become more intentional and supportive.

If you find yourself wondering why outdoor time feels regulating some days and hard on others, we have created a slide deck for parents that can help you slow down and make sense of what you are seeing. Check it out:

The Sensory Needs in Nature Guide for Parents

This walks you through the basics of nervous system responses in nature and offers a simple framework for noticing what supports your child best. The goal is not to get outdoor time “right,” but to help you feel more confident, curious, and grounded as you support your child’s body and nervous system.

evidence-informed guide to understanding how children’s nervous systems respond to nature so you can support regulation, curiosity, and connection outdoors.

You might be noticing…

Your child struggles to settle outside instead of relaxing.
Outdoor time sometimes feels dysregulating rather than calming.
You sense that fresh air alone is not enough to meet your child’s needs.

You are not alone. Every child’s nervous system experiences nature differently. What feels calming and organizing for one child may feel overwhelming or activating for another. This guide was created to help you make sense of those differences.

What this guide offers

When you download this free slide deck, you will receive:

A clear explanation of how children’s nervous systems respond to nature
Learn why outdoor experiences affect children in different ways and what regulation can look like in real life.

Research-informed insights, explained simply
Understand the connection between sensory input, movement, environment, and nervous system responses without clinical jargon.

Practical guidance you can use right away
Discover how to observe your child’s cues, adjust outdoor experiences, and choose environments that better support calm, confidence, and connection.

This guide is for you if you:

Care deeply about your child’s emotional and sensory needs
Want outdoor time to feel supportive rather than stressful
Appreciate trauma-informed, child-centered guidance
Value practical tools that fit into everyday family life

After reading this guide, you will be able to:

Recognize which outdoor experiences support your child’s regulation
Better understand your child’s responses to movement, sensory input, and space
Feel more confident planning outdoor time that supports your child’s body and nervous system

Ayres, A. J. (2005). Sensory integration and the child: Understanding hidden sensory challenges. Western Psychological Services.

Chawla, L. (2015). Benefits of nature contact for children. Journal of Planning Literature, 30(4), 433–452. https://doi.org/10.1177/0885412215595441

Kuo, M. (2015). How might contact with nature promote human health? Promising mechanisms and a possible central pathway. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1093. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01093

Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.

Class: meltdowns, co-regulation, and recovery

Dear Thrive Outside Community,

We’re delighted to invite you to an upcoming three-part online class series designed to deepen your understanding of meltdowns, co-regulation, and recovery, all through the lens of nervous system science and nature-inspired care. These sessions are grounded in relational neurobiology and clinical practice, and thoughtfully created for parents, caregivers, and clinicians alike.

Diana created this series because:
When big emotions arise, our nervous systems go into protective survival mode, making logic hard to access and connection feel fragile. 

This series will help you see beyond behavior to the biology beneath, and then into practical ways to respond and support healing. Research shows that co-regulation and safety cues are foundational to calming a dysregulated nervous system (Schore, 2012). 

Each session includes time for questions and reflection so you can integrate the learning into your daily life with confidence.

📅 Upcoming Classes

1) January 12 — The Why: Biology of Meltdown Behavior
🕕 Online • 6:00–7:00pm
We’ll explore why meltdowns aren’t defiance or misbehavior but biological responses to overwhelm. Learn to distinguish tantrum from sensory overload, and what’s happening in the nervous system during high-arousal moments. 

➡️ What you’ll take away:

Understanding of fight/flight responses

How sensory and emotional thresholds build to meltdown

A new lens for compassionate support

2) January 19 — The During: Crisis Management & Co-Regulation
🕕 Online • 6:00–7:00pm
We’ll move from theory to what actually helps when a child is in the storm of a meltdown. We’ll focus on embodied co-regulation cues—like lower voice, attuned movement, and simple rhythms—based on nervous system regulation strategies.

➡️ What you’ll take away:

Co-regulation strategies grounded in polyvagal science

Tools to reduce activation fast

Ways to keep connection present even in crisis

3) January 26 — The After: Recovery & Prevention
🕕 Online • 6:00–7:00pm
Once the intensity subsides, the nervous system still needs support. This session focuses on recovery and how to prevent future overwhelm, including small sensory supports and relationship-based repair practices. 

➡️ What you’ll take away:

How to support your child’s nervous system after a meltdown

Tools for sensory-based prevention

Ways to strengthen trust and resilience

We hope these offerings feel like an invitation to slow down with curiosity, deepen your understanding of the nervous system, and nurture regulation and connection in your home, clinic, or community. Together, we’re building pathways for families to feel supported through everyday challenges. 🌲💛

With presence and care,
The Thrive Outside Team

Advocacy and Emotional Regulation: Ensuring that our children's needs are heard, respected, and met

Research and Information by Dr. Diana Honorat, OTD, with Jo Partin, Pacific OTDS student, Kristy Bailey, OTAS, Pierce Bertschy, COTA,

Blog written by Lyndsay Morris

Advocating for your kid

Advocacy is a powerful tool for ensuring that our children's needs are heard, respected, and met. It involves collaborating with family members, teachers, and peers to create an environment that fosters success. Here are some strategies:

Be Collaborative, Specific, and Respectful

When discussing your child’s needs, adopt a collaborative tone. Ask questions like, “How can we work together?” This approach fosters a positive dialogue and encourages teamwork.

Document Everything in Writing

Keep a detailed record of your child's progress and any important conversations. Follow up important conversations in a written summary for understanding

 Prepare for Meetings

Review current plans and progress reports in advance

Bring Support (if allowed)

If you are sending your child to school with a sensory bin, special toy, chewelry, etc., be upfront in discussing it with their other caregivers. Collaborate on a plan for how your child can access these resources when needed. 

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is crucial for our children to express their needs, manage emotions effectively, and cope with overwhelming moments. Here’s how we can assist them in developing this crucial skill:

• Understanding different sensory processing patterns can guide your interventions.

• Your child might be sensory-seeking, low-registering, avoiding, or sensitive.

• Tailor your approach based on their specific sensory preferences.

Tools for sensory support. Equip your child with tools that can help them regulate their emotions. 

Examples include:

• Sensory boxes

• Zones of regulation

• Calm jars

 Communication 

Establish a comfortable and relaxed way for your child to communicate their feelings. Whether through speaking, writing, or visual aids, ensure they feel at ease expressing themselves. Be clear and methodical when discussing steps and expectations, and model active listening by validating their emotions.

Calming Strategy Steps 

1st.  active & alert activities 

• Suggest activities such as swings, wall push-ups, or animal walks to help release pent-up energy.

2nd. Incorporate organizational skills

• Engage your child in counting and sorting activities, which promote focus and executive functioning.

3rd. Calming time!

• Introduce practices like box breathing or mindfulness exercises. Encourage them to notice their surroundings and engage with different sensory stimuli.

By implementing these advocacy techniques and emotional regulation strategies, we empower our children to navigate their worlds more effectively. As parents, our role is not just to support but also to equip our kids with the skills they need for lifelong success. Let’s champion our children's needs while providing them with the tools to manage their emotions healthily and effectively!

Reflecting on a Successful Summer Occupational Therapy Nature Camp!

A Week of Growth, Learning, and Fun

We are thrilled to share the highlights and successes of our Summer Occupational Therapy Nature Camp! Held at the beautiful Arnold Park in Aloha, OR, our camp focused on yoga, mindfulness, and emotional regulation through the Zones of Regulation framework. From July 10th to July 14th, our campers experienced a supportive and enriching environment where they learned valuable tools for emotional regulation and mindfulness, made new friends, and had an unforgettable summer experience.

Day 1: Introduction to Yoga, Mindfulness, and Zones of Regulation

On the first day, we kicked off with fun icebreaker activities to help the children get to know each other. Our yoga session introduced basic poses and breathing techniques, setting the stage for a week of mindfulness. The children also learned about the Zones of Regulation, a framework to help them understand and manage their emotions. They personalized their yoga mats and explored different emotional regulation tools, laying the foundation for their emotional growth.

Day 2: Deepening Yoga Practice and Exploring Senses

The second day was all about balance and coordination through yoga. Our mindfulness activities included sensory exploration and a senses meditation. The children created sensory bottles during craft time and engaged in role-playing activities to better understand different emotional zones and coping strategies. A special guest joined us to explore music and its role in emotional regulation, adding a delightful and educational twist to the day.

Day 3: Creative Yoga and Mindful Movement

Day three brought creativity and movement together. We used yoga storytelling to make the practice fun and engaging, followed by mindful movement activities such as Tai Chi and a nature walk. Craft time involved creating nature collages, and we introduced a "Calm Down" toolkit to help the children manage their emotions effectively.

Day 4: Strengthening Mind and Body Connection

Our focus on day four was on strengthening the mind-body connection. The yoga session emphasized strength and stability, including sun salutations. Mindfulness activities featured a body scan meditation and mindful journaling. The children created gratitude jars and worked on identifying emotional triggers and coping strategies, culminating in their own personal zone charts.

Day 5: Integration and Celebration

The final day was a celebration of all that the children had learned. They reviewed and practiced their favorite yoga poses, engaged in yoga games, and created personal mindfulness plans. Craft time was dedicated to making a camp memory book. We concluded with a mini award ceremony and a group reflection circle, where the children shared their experiences and achievements.

Looking Ahead: Join Us for Fall Social Groups!

Our Summer Occupational Therapy Nature Camp was a resounding success, and we are excited to continue offering enriching experiences for children and families. If you missed out on our summer camp, don’t worry! We have exciting plans for the fall with our social groups. These groups will continue to focus on emotional regulation, mindfulness, and social skills, providing a supportive environment for children to thrive.

We invite you to join our fall social groups and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth and learning. Sign up today and give your child the tools they need for emotional and social success.

For more information or to register for our fall social groups, please visit our website or contact us directly. We look forward to welcoming your family!

Creating a “Summer Rhythm” can help neurodivergent families during time off school.

How Summer Rhythms Can Help Your Child Thrive: OT-Inspired Support for Sensory and Emotional Regulation

If you’re a parent looking for occupational therapy support for your child this summer, you’re not alone. The transition from school to summer break can be tough, especially for kids with sensory needs, attention challenges, or neurodivergent brains.

At Thrive Outside, we specialize in nature-based occupational therapy that supports kids' development through movement, play, and connection. And one of our favorite tools for easing this seasonal shift? A simple summer rhythm.

What Is a Summer Rhythm and Why Does It Help?

A rhythm is like a routine, but more flexible and forgiving. Instead of trying to recreate a school schedule at home (which rarely works), a summer rhythm offers a gentle flow to the day that creates both freedom and predictability.

For kids who benefit from occupational therapy, a rhythm provides the structure their nervous systems need without being rigid or overwhelming.

Here’s how a summer rhythm helps:

🧠 Supports sensory regulation
Predictable patterns reduce overstimulation and help children feel safe. Anchoring the day with movement, rest, and nature time can prevent dysregulation before it starts.

👣 Encourages independence and skill-building
When kids know what to expect, they can take more initiative. Rhythms make space for things like independent play, outdoor exploration, and even simple chores—all common OT goals!

🌳 Reduces meltdowns and transitions more smoothly
Kids often resist change because they don’t know what’s coming. A rhythm lowers that anxiety, helping children move more smoothly between activities and environments.

How Occupational Therapy Principles Inform Our Approach

At Thrive Outside, our therapy groups and parent resources are grounded in the principles of sensory integration, regulation through nature play, and developmentally appropriate expectations. Many of the children we work with:

• Have trouble with transitions

• Crave movement but also get overstimulated

• Need more support with emotional regulation, attention, and executive function

For all of these children—and their caregivers—a rhythm brings relief. It reduces the need for constant redirection and creates space for connection, not just correction.

Download Our Free Summer Rhythm Builder

To help families like yours get started, we created a free, downloadable Summer Rhythm Builder. It’s an editable tool designed by pediatric OTs who understand that summer should be calm, connected, and sensory-smart.

Inside, you’ll find:

✅ A customizable rhythm template
✅ OT-informed suggestions for balancing movement, rest, and play
✅ Tips for reducing stress and increasing connection in your home

Nature-Based Art Therapy for Kids: A Guest Post from our therapist, Liz Ash LPC-A

Hey there! I'm Liz Ash, and I'm thrilled to join the Thrive Outside Practice. Today, I want to dive into the world of Nature-Based Art Therapy (NBAT) and shed some light on what it's all about.

So, what exactly is NBAT? Well, it's not as new as you might think. In fact, it's rooted in a deeply ancient practice. Art therapy, in general, is a form of traditional therapy where both the practitioner and the client collaborate through creative expression to tackle issues that brought them to therapy in the first place. Now, here's where the nature-based twist comes in. NBAT draws on the idea that humans aren't just connected to other humans but also to nature itself, echoing beliefs held dear by indigenous cultures throughout history.

Think of it as a fusion of ancient wisdom and modern science. We're talking about holistic healing theories that view humans as inherently intertwined with nature. Picture this: you're out in the wilderness, observing a rabbit frolicking in a meadow. Suddenly, a loud noise startles the rabbit, and it freezes or dashes away. From a nature-based perspective, this reaction ties into the polyvagal theory, where our nervous system picks up on potential threats and triggers a response.

So, how does therapy fit into all of this? Well, it's about recognizing our responses to perceived threats and learning to tap into our personal resources to adapt. And that's where art therapy comes into play. By creating a safe and creative space, we can explore these situations and develop adaptable responses while finding deeper meaning in our experiences.

Now, who can benefit from NBAT? The short answer: everyone! From kids to teens to adults, as long as you can appreciate your surroundings, you're in the game. And when it comes to where and when these sessions happen, it's all about flexibility. Your therapist will choose environments conducive to your growth, and sessions can take place rain or shine, ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

So, whether you're a nature enthusiast or someone curious about exploring the connection between art and the great outdoors, NBAT might just be the therapeutic journey you've been searching for.

Kids Really do Thrive Outside: Why You Shouldn’t Overlook the Power of Nature-Based Therapy Groups

In an era dominated by screens and schedules, Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups emerge as a breath of fresh air – quite literally. As parents, we all want the best for our children's development, and it's natural to be curious about innovative approaches like Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups. Let's delve into the research-backed benefits of this unique program and address some common questions you may have.

1. Unlocking Growth Through Outdoor Activities: A Natural Boost for Development

Research consistently highlights the positive impact of outdoor activities on children's overall development. Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups leverage the natural environment to enhance coordination, confidence, regulation, and connection with self and others. Climbing, hiking, and fort building aren't just play; they're pathways to mastering skills that form the foundation of a well-rounded individual.

Numerous studies have linked outdoor experiences to improved cognitive function, increased creativity, and enhanced problem-solving abilities. Nature serves as a dynamic classroom, stimulating all the senses and providing a rich tapestry for children to explore and learn.

2. Skill-Building in the Great Outdoors: A Comprehensive Approach to Development

Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups go beyond the typical outdoor playdate. The carefully selected activities are designed to target a spectrum of skills critical to a child's growth. From emotional control and body awareness to problem-solving, adaptability, and cooperation, the program addresses a holistic range of developmental needs.

In a society where the indoors often dominate, exposing children to diverse outdoor challenges fosters adaptability and resilience. The program recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, nurturing not just bodies but also minds.

3. Nature-Based Therapy: Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation

Nature-based therapy represents a departure from conventional indoor therapy settings. The environment itself becomes a therapeutic tool, amplifying the benefits of traditional occupational therapy. Studies show that exposure to natural settings reduces stress and anxiety, enhances mood, and promotes a sense of well-being.

Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups capitalize on these findings, creating a space where therapy seamlessly blends with the wonders of nature. The outdoors becomes a canvas for therapists to guide children toward their developmental milestones, offering a unique and enriching therapeutic experience.

4. Weathering the Elements: Ensuring Safety and Adventure Year-Round

One common concern among parents is the safety of outdoor activities, especially in diverse weather conditions. Rest assured, Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups embrace the elements, rain or shine. While safety is a top priority, exposing children to varying weather conditions also cultivates adaptability and resilience.

Research indicates that exposure to nature in different weather conditions has its own set of benefits, from boosting the immune system to fostering a sense of awe and connection with the natural world. The Nature-Based Therapeutic Groups team ensures a balance between safety protocols and the invigorating experience of embracing the outdoors in all its seasonal glory.