Nature and Animal-assisted Activities for Young Adults With Autism and Social Withdrawal

Neuropsychiatric impairments in young adults are common and can involve social withdrawal, and difficulties in receiving support from healthcare and municipal social care services. Collaboration is needed, but knowledge gaps exist concerning effective interventions. Participation in meaningful activities, as a complement to other treatment strategies can be a step towards studies/work. The aim of the trial is to explore the feasibility of a structured nature and animal-based activity on a farm for young adults with neuropsychiatric impairments.

The intervention involves participation in nature and animal-assisted group activities, twice a week for 12 weeks. Data consists of interviews with participants prior to and after the intervention, as well as one year later. The one-year follow-up focus is on life situation, changes in everyday life and experiences of the intervention. In addition, interview-based experiences of the ordinary staff and supervisors on the farm are included. Analysis will be carried out with qualitative content analysis, as well as health-economic calculations.