The Neurodivergent Experience

Episode: Nature Heals – How the Outdoors Supports Neurodivergent Minds

Hosts: Jordan James & Simon Scott
Guest: Ashley Bentley
Date: October 1, 2025

Overview

This episode explores the profound impact that time in nature has on neurodivergent well-being—particularly for those with Autism and ADHD. Drawing from recent personal experiences and scientific insights, the hosts and guest Ashley Bentley reflect on how the outdoors regulates sensory overload, soothes pain, and offers opportunities for self-acceptance and emotional resilience. The episode covers coping with chronic pain, the restorative power of the natural world, the unique winter challenges for neurodivergent people, and practical rituals for staying connected to nature year-round.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recent “Neurodivergent Reunion” & The Reality of Plans

(02:47 – 07:03)

• The trio recently met up for the first time in the Lake District, which didn’t go as planned due to chronic pain, illness, and low energy.
• Jordan: Reflected on his progress in handling change without meltdown, thanks in part to Ashley’s support:
  “I didn’t have a meltdown…not a single thing worked out, but it was a good way of testing how far I’ve come with my ability to accept change.” (04:27)
• Ashley: Framed it as an “exercise in acceptance,” echoing the sentiment that plans often shift in unpredictable ways.
  “You want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” (05:26)

2. The Sensory & Emotional Power of Nature

(07:03 – 11:46)

• Simon: Contrasted stressful city life with the calm of the countryside.
  “Why did I choose city living and the noise and the lights and everything over this? I can’t believe I made that decision consciously. Every day for nearly nine years.” (09:44)
• Jordan: Shared the healing effect of being in nature with limited tech and people, and the solitude of morning walks:
  “…just me and the ducks and the sheep, who are weirdly friendly…” (09:44)
• Simon: Framed nature as “self-regulation and sensory regulation”:
  “Nature isn’t just sort of nice to be in. It is a form of self-regulation, of sensory regulation. It’s how I navigate everyday life.” (10:38)

3. Neurodivergence in Society vs. Nature

(11:46 – 13:49)

• Jordan: Posited that neurodivergent minds are more at home in nature; urban environments activate their struggles.
  “In nature [our sensory] abilities become abilities. As soon as we’re put into any town or city… it becomes a disability.” (11:46)
• Ashley: Affirmed that healing comes from returning to a “natural state.”
  “That’s a really good point… that’s why we get healed when we go out in nature.” (13:46)

4. Nature’s Unexpected Overloads

(14:46 – 16:25)

• Ashley: Described a startling moment when low-flying military jets broke the Lake District’s peace, illustrating how even nature retreats can be disrupted by man-made sensory intrusions.
• Jordan: Noted, “As soon as you add a non-natural element into the equation, somehow it negatively affects us.” (15:44)

5. The Science Behind Nature’s Calming Effects

(16:25 – 19:02)

• Light, circadian rhythms, and physiological links:
  • Sunlight aids serotonin (“the easiest way…is through sunlight”)
  • Connecting with animals boosts oxytocin
• Nature moments, like glimpsing a red squirrel, bring “unexpected little gifts.”

6. Pain, Chronic Illness, and Access to Nature

(21:34 – 24:54)

• Simon: Discusses how pain keeps him indoors and routines fall aside.
• Ashley: Offers practical solutions for severely limited mobility:
  • Simply sitting on a front step or balcony to observe the sunset
  • Expanding one’s horizon visually to calm the nervous system
  • Barefoot grounding for those able, even for short periods:
    “If you can get your bare feet on the ground 15–20 minutes a day… it is really, really advantageous.” (23:00)
• Jordan: Connects barefoot grounding to our evolutionary past.

7. Challenges in Winter

(25:44 – 38:52)

• Simon: Winter “transitions” are hard—executive dysfunction, sensory aversions (wet socks, low sun glare), and layering issues are highlighted:
  “I struggle with the transition to winter. I'm not great with a lot of layers. The amount of times I go, ‘I'm not going outside, it's raining,’ but every time I do, I actually quite enjoy the experience.” (25:44)
• Ashley: Tips for winter:
  • Charity shops for updatin˙g gear
  • Focus on comfortable layers and tools (body wipes, extra towels, gloves)
• Hosts & Guest: Lively, humorous tangent on attachment to favorite clothing and the resistance to updating wardrobes.

8. The Role of Mindset, Ritual, and Contrast

(34:29 – 47:05)

• Ashley: Leans into the value of “contrast”—the pleasure of coziness is heightened by going out in the cold first.
  • Cites yoga and meditation practices that teach using tension–release cycles to intensify feelings of comfort.
  • “Mindset is thinking, ‘this is just going to be tension before release.’” (34:29)
• “The dogs provide [an incentive], you know, they force us to go out and take walks when it’s awful outside…then you get back in…it’s this contrast.” (34:29)

9. Coping Strategies & Winter Rituals

(47:05 – 63:10)

• Jordan: Uses photography, VR environments, and open-world video games to “simulate” nature on dark days.
• Ashley: Maintains bright light in the home, uses a powerful morning visualization (shares her Morning Mind Mastery technique on Insight Timer), and recommends getting outside at the first sunlight.
• Simon: Vows to make morning light exposure a routine, using outdoor coffee as a prompt:
  “I need routine, but the ADHD is going, ‘no you don’t,’…but genuinely, I want to get up in the morning and just have my coffee outside.” (58:55)
• The importance of “awe”:
  • Jordan: “There’s nothing quite like a sunrise…just go and take a picture. Because there’s nothing quite like a sunrise.” (63:34)
  • Ashley: “Feelings of awe that we get with nature…are so good for us mentally and physically.” (64:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Simon: “By trying to gain one spoon, I felt like I was throwing them away.” (07:51)
• Jordan: “The neurodivergent mind in its natural state is humans in their natural state…evolutionary wise we belong in nature.” (11:46)
• Ashley: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” (05:26)
• Simon: “Nature isn’t just nice to be in. It is self-regulation, of sensory regulation…I underestimate the power of just being outside.” (10:38)
• Ashley: “Connecting with nature provides oxytocin…these unexpected little gifts can pop up.” (17:55)
• Simon: “Cold therapy is just as beneficial as heat, and I feel better getting out of the cold room than I do the hot one.” (36:24)
• Jordan: “After 44 years I’m still like, ‘Oh God, I can’t believe it’s winter.’…But autumn is one of my favorite times of year.” (39:37)
• Ashley: “Find a way to be awed by nature and that will be really, really helpful for getting you out there.” (64:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment | |----------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 02:47 | Lake District reunion, learning acceptance | | 07:03 | Contrasts of city vs. country, sensory calm | | 11:46 | Nature as neurodivergent baseline | | 14:46 | Non-natural sensory overload (RAF jets) | | 16:25 | Scientific link: sunlight, circadian rhythms | | 23:00 | Nature for those with mobility/pain limitations | | 25:44 | Winter, executive dysfunction, sensory barriers | | 34:29 | Reframing discomfort as “tension before release” | | 47:05 | Cozy rituals, hibernation, the “contrast” principle | | 54:56 | Technology/VR as nature alternatives in winter | | 55:03 | Visualization & morning routines | | 63:10 | Photography as motivation to go outside | | 64:38 | The value of “awe” in nature |

Takeaways & Practical Tips

1. Embrace Imperfection:
Plans will sometimes fail, and learning to accept change is vital for emotional resilience.

2. Nature is a Sensory Regulator:
Regular exposure to the outdoors is especially key for neurodivergent people—supporting mood, sensory processing, and nervous system balance.

3. Small Steps Count:
Even if you can’t walk far, sitting on a front step or near a window, or putting your bare feet to the ground for a few minutes, can be powerful.

4. Prepare for Winter:

• Invest (as able) in comfortable, sensory-friendly clothing.
• Allow yourself to bring “the light” indoors early—consider it mental health maintenance.
• Develop cozy indoor rituals to balance outdoor discomfort.

5. Use Technology:
Photography (even with a phone), VR, or games set in open worlds can help recreate the soothing effects of nature.

6. Mindset Matters:
Visualizations, gratitude practices, and viewing discomfort as “contrast” for later comfort help reframe difficult transitions.

7. Find Your Awe:
A daily ritual—sunrise, sunset, or simply a moment outside—can anchor your mood and build resilience.

Final Thoughts

The episode is a heartfelt, practical, and sometimes humorous reflection on why and how neurodivergent people benefit deeply from nature—not just for “fresh air,” but as a return to their truest, most regulated selves. Whether it's through creative workarounds like VR or simply watching the sunrise, the outdoors is positioned as both a healer and a home for those whose needs don't fit the norm.

Listeners are encouraged to share their own sunrise photos, find their personal “nature awe” moment, and practice self-kindness through the seasons.