An Australian surfing program for neurodiverse children and adolescents enhanced independence, well-being and social connectionChildren with autism generally lack opportunities to engage in nature-based activities compared to their neurotypical peers. Providing neurodiverse children with access to outdoor recreation is fundamental for supporting their overall well-being and development, as well as for upholding their rights, promoting equality, and fostering inclusion. This study examined an Australian surfing program for neurodiverse children and youth. The study is based on the understanding that strategies to facilitate participation in outdoor activities for youth with autism are greatly needed. A qualitative approach was used to describe the program’s context, mechanisms, outcomes experienced by participants, and the connections among these components.
A realist evaluation methodology was used to explore the Ocean Heroes Surf Experience program based in Western Australia. This evaluation framework was selected to clarify “what works for whom and why.” The Ocean Heroes program aims to encourage physical activity and social interaction among youth with autism through engagement in outdoor activities. The program used a strengths-based approach to align activities to an individual’s interests and strengths. Youth involved in the program received coaching from one or two experienced surf coaches for a one-hour session, usually once a week. Participants in the study included 17 children with an autism diagnosis (age 9-17) who were taking part in surfing sessions, as well as 16 parents of the participating children and nine surfing coaches. Six of the children were female, and 11 were male. The parents included five fathers and 11 mothers. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and observations of surfing sessions. A total of 37 interviews were conducted with 13 children, 16 parents and eight coaches. The children were given the option to respond verbally or in writing to the interview questions. Observations were completed with eight coaches and 16 children. Parents also completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Social Responsiveness Scale– 2 (SRS-2) to assess the severity of their child’s autistic traits. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes within a context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) framework.
Results focused on the context, mechanisms and outcomes of the surf program. Key findings on the program’s <em>context</em> revealed factors related to identity, environment, personal factors, and logistics. Children, parents, and coaches viewed surfing and beach visits as consistent with their cultural traditions and values. The environmental conditions included sensory aspects that parents and coaches perceived to provide beneficial sensory experiences. The program’s context was also shaped by personal factors, which included parents who were seeking support, children's interests, traits, and goals, and the coaches’ prior experiences, as well as logistical considerations. <em>Mechanisms </em>through which the program facilitated positive outcomes included: (1) coaches' individualized, strengths-based approach that ensured youth’s comfort and safety; (2) opportunities for social interaction and building relationships with coaches or other children; (3) opportunities to develop perseverance through overcoming challenges; and (4) the program’s fun and playful approach. <em>Outcomes</em> of the program focused on independence, well-being, social connections and aspirations. Learning how to surf boosted children’s confidence and helped them achieve greater independence in their daily lives. Children, parents and coaches reported that surfing experiences enhanced children’s emotional, mental and physical well-being. Children were happier, calmer and demonstrated improved self-regulation after surfing sessions. Children’s physical health benefits included improved fitness, balance, strength, stamina, endurance and coordination. Parents and coaches also reported that their own well-being was enhanced as a result of the program. The program helped children form “a neurodiverse network of friends and role models with shared interests and similar life experiences.” Parents felt that the sense of belonging experienced by their child was the most impactful outcome of the program. The program also helped children develop aspirations, with some expressing goals to become a volunteer or surfing coach in the future. Importantly, findings also revealed linkages between the program’s contexts, mechanisms and outcomes, which were “required in combination with each other to explain the workings of the program.”
Findings indicate that the surfing sessions provided a beneficial experience for children and youth with autism, their parents, and the coaches through a “dynamic interplay” between the contexts and mechanisms of the program. Such findings revealed that beneficial outcomes were the result of “the interconnectedness between contextual features, including environmental conditions and participant characteristics, and mechanisms such as the adaptability demonstrated by both coaches and children.” The study contributes to an improved understanding of strengths-based activities for youth with autism that may guide the design and implementation of future outdoor recreation programs.
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