Heavier community tree canopy predicts lower conduct problem severity in children with autismThe benefits of nature for typically developing children are well documented. Little research, however, has looked specifically at how children with disabilities benefit from engagement with nature. This study addresses this concern by investigating the effects of green and gray space on conduct problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Green space – as defined for this study – refers to environments covered by tree canopy. Gray space refers to environments covered with constructed surfaces, such as paved streets and buildings.
Child data for this study was based on 53,650 typically developing children, 1,501 children with ASD, and 15,776 children with other special health care needs (CSHCN). The age range for all the participating children was 6 to 17. Child information was accessed from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), which includes parent/caretaker reports about conduct problems in their children. Green space data was based on satellite imaging technology and accessed through the National Land Cover Database (NLCD), which provides details on various natural and built environments (e.g., canopy cover and impervious surface).
Child data showed that children with special health care needs (CSHCN) or having autism predicted increased odds of moderate to high levels of conduct problems. Linking the two databases (child data and canopy data), however, showed that community tree canopy coverage was statistically associated with decreased conduct problems in children with ASD. In other words, parents/caretakers of children with ASD residing in Zip codes with heavier tree canopy have lower odds of reporting severe conduct problems. This relationship was statistically significant even when controlling for other factors associated with conduct problems in children with ASD. The association between tree canopy coverage and severe conduct problems was not found with typically developing children or CSHCN. There was no associations between “gray” space and conduct problems in any children. Overall, males had greater odds of conduct problems than females
The fact that community tree canopy coverage was found to be negatively associated with conduct problems in children with ASD suggests a potentially ameliorative effect of natural environments. More research is needed, however, to make more definitive statements about the link between tree canopy and reduced behavior problems in children with ASD. Research using individual assessments and street level metrics is recommended.
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