How Nature Affects The Behavior of ADHD Children: A Case Study in Northeastern Brazil

Interferencias de la naturaleza en el comportamiento de niños con TDAH: un estudio de caso en el noreste de Brasil

Abstract

The present study involves children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from public schools of the municipality of Crato - CE, northeastern region of Brazil. The overall objective was to analyze the profiles of six children, before and after interventions with nature, in order to identify potential changes in behavior resulting from experiencing direct contact with nature. The method used is exploratory and descriptive, and it is a multiple case study with an action-research character. The results showed changes in behavior with mitigated ADHD symptoms regarding cognitive and socio-affective aspects. Among other behavioral aspects, higher motivation for studying, better understanding and adaptation to rules, extended states of tranquility, higher receptivity to social contact, decreased aggressiveness, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and higher tolerance to oneself and others were noticeable.

Keywords:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); children; development; nature