If you’re anything like me, spending time outside or with animals always makes you feel better. In this episode, we explore the science behind wild experiences. Sources: The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework by Stephen Kaplan An emotional support animal is just a mouse click away Could Exposure to Everyday Green Spaces Help Treat ADHD? Evidence from Children’s Play Settings by Andrea Faber Taylor and Frances E. (Ming) Kuo Wildlife tourism: The intangible, psychological benefits of human-wildlife encounters by Susanna Curtin Companion Animals and Child/Adolescent Development: A Systematic Review of the Evidence by Rebecca Purewal, Robert Christley, Katarzyna Kordas, Carol Joinson, Kerstin Meints, Nancy Gee, and Carri Westgarth  Canine-assisted reading programs for children with special educational needs: rationale and recommendations for the use of dogs in assisting learning by Suk-chun Fung The benefits of reading to dogs A pet in your life keeps the doctor away Guide and Service Dogs Improving social participation for children with autism spectrum disorder: Pilot testing of an early animal‐assisted intervention in Spain by Adriana Ávila‐Álvarez, Miguel Alonso‐Bidegain, Iván De‐Rosende‐Celeiro, Mirian Vizcaíno‐Cela, Lestonnac Larrañeta‐Alcalde, and Gabriel Torres‐Tobío Research on animal-assisted intervention and autism spectrum disorder, 2012-2015 by Marguerite O’Haire Effectiveness of a Standardized Equine-Assisted Therapy Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Marta corgi, Dafne Loliva, Stefania Cerino, Flavia Chhiarotti, and Aldina Venerosi  Effects of equine assisted activities on autism spectrum disorder by Beth A. Lanning, Margaret E. Baier, Julie Ivey-hatz, Nancy Krenek, and Jack D. Tubbs Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy: Increasing Engagement for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder by Cecilia Llambias, Joyce Magill-Evans, Veronica Smith, and Sharon Warren Pilot Study Investigating the Role of Therapy Dogs in Facilitating Social Interaction among Children with Autism by Suk-chun Fung and Alvin Seung-ming Leung Shirin Yoku: the art of forest bathing Repairing emotional isolation by reawakening deep nature connection Those who are "nature-wise" have an edge in today’s world Get back to nature for good mental health  Prescribing Nature for Health Dogs helping humans heal Shirin Yoku: Why Forest Bathing Became a Global Health Phenomenon