Nature- and activity-based group programs for neurodivergent children and youth in Agder
Official title: Where Wild Things Grow: Immediate and Long-term Impact of Nature- and Activity-based Group Interventions for Neurodivergent Children and Youth in School, Health Care and Leisure Settings in Agder
Run by Sorlandet Hospital HF · NCT07203469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will try outdoor and activity-based group programs to see if they help children and teens with ADHD, autism, Tourette's, and related neurodivergent challenges feel better, gain confidence, and do better in daily life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sorlandet Hospital HF Government |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kristiansand, Agder and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 15, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07203469 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children and adolescents in the Agder region who are neurodivergent (for example ADHD, autism, or Tourette's) or whole classes that include such students and who can participate in group outdoor activities are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with active substance misuse, acute psychosis, current suicidal ideation, severe eating disorders, or those unable to take part in outdoor group activities are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This action research project develops and implements nature- and activity-based group interventions across healthcare, school, and community settings in the Agder region of Southern Norway. Interventions use universal and selective approaches and include outdoor therapy and climbing activities tailored to support mental health, self-efficacy, and daily functioning in neurodivergent children and youth. Outcomes include measures of quality of life, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and physiological reactions, with comparisons between nature-based and traditional indoor provision. Recruitment occurs at class-level for school-based arms and at the patient level for healthcare interventions, with standard exclusions for acute severe mental-health conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these programs could provide accessible, non-medical ways to improve quality of life, self-confidence, and everyday functioning for neurodivergent children and adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Smaller studies and program evaluations of nature-based interventions have shown promising mental health and well-being effects in young people and some neurodivergent groups, but large controlled trials are still limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * In PhD 1, participants are recruited on class-level (all) or individual (identified need). * In PhD 2, inclusion criteria are patients that participate in the specific interventions. Exclusion Criteria: * In PhD 2, exclusion criteria include substance misuse, acute psychosis, current suicidal behavior/ideation, and severe eating disorders.
Where it's running
-
Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ABUP), Sørlandet Hospital HF
Kristiansand, Agder, Norway Recruiting -
Department of Sport and Physical Education, University of Agder
Kristiansand, Agder, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carina R Fernee, PhD — Sørlandet Hospital HF
- Study coordinator: Carina R Fernee, PhD
- Email: carina.fernee@sshf.no
- Phone: +4790671621
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.