Animal-assisted and nature-based intervention on a farm for young adults with autism and social withdrawal - A one-year follow-up with a socioeconomic approach.

Researchers followed up with 10 young adults with autism one year after they completed a 12-week program involving animals and nature activities on a farm. Seven participants improved - two found jobs or structured activities, and five became more active in daily life. Three saw no change. The program was relatively inexpensive to run. Poor coordination of support services and long waiting times made it harder for participants to maintain progress.

This qualitative follow-up study examined long-term outcomes one year after a 12-week animal-assisted and nature-based intervention on a farm for young adults with autism and social withdrawal. Ten participants were interviewed about their life situation, activity levels, and support needs. Seven participants showed improvement: two gained organized occupation and five reported partial improvement or increased daily activities. Three participants experienced no change.

The intervention had modest direct costs, and researchers noted that disorganized professional support and welfare sector waiting times created barriers to sustainable change. The findings suggest these interventions may have socioeconomic benefits worth investigating further.

Animal-assisted and nature-based interventions may provide lasting benefits for young adults with autism, particularly in increasing daily activities and occupational engagement. However, coordinated professional support systems are crucial for maintaining gains. The modest intervention costs suggest potential cost-effectiveness warranting further investigation.

Small sample size of 10 participants limits generalizability. Qualitative design without control group prevents causal conclusions. Self-reported outcomes may introduce bias. Study type and detailed methodology not clearly specified in the abstract.

Interventions in the form of animal-assisted and nature-based activities are promising for young adults with autism, but there is a knowledge gap concerning the long-term values of these. The aim was to describe the activity levels in daily life and socioeconomic aspects for young adults with autism one year after a 12-week intervention with animal-assisted and nature-based activities. A qualitative follow-up study with individual interviews was performed. Ten participants were interviewed with a focus on their life situation, activity levels, and need for further professional support after the intervention.

Summative content analysis was used. The direct costs of the intervention were discussed in relation to the societal costs of social exclusion of young adults. Seven of ten participants improved; two were in organized occupation, five reported partial improvement or increased daily life activities and three participants experienced no change. The direct cost for the intervention was modest.

Disorganized professional support and waiting times in the welfare sector were perceived as stressful and hindering sustainable change. The animal-assisted and nature-based intervention facilitated increased daily activities for the participating young adults. The findings suggest that it is reasonable to investigate the possible socioeconomic implications of this type of intervention.