American Occupational Therapy Association Inspire Conference 2025

Thank you for visiting our presentation on the Impact of Nature-Based Group Programs for Adults with Neurodiversity and Down Syndrome.

Presented by: Shannon Kara, MOT, and Karen Jacobs, OT, EdD, OTR, CPE, FAOTA

This guide is designed to provide occupational therapists with practical insights and resources to confidently incorporate Nature-Based Interventions (NBI) into clinical practice. By starting small, such as with simple planting activities, therapists can weave nature into sessions to support client growth and well-being.

Adaptability in Practice

While I originally planned to use sunflower seeds as part of my presentation materials, availability challenges required me to adapt. As occupational therapists, adaptability is a cornerstone of our practice. To demonstrate this flexibility, I’ve replaced sunflower seeds with lentil seeds—a versatile and meaningful alternative that offers similar therapeutic benefits.

Below, you’ll find information on planting both sunflowers and lentil seeds, along with guidance on how these activities can be integrated into therapeutic practice to build confidence in using nature as a therapeutic tool.

Sunflowers a Symbol of Growth and Resilience

Sunflowers are iconic for their bright yellow petals and their ability to grow toward the sun, a phenomenon known as heliotropism. They symbolise joy, resilience, and personal growth, making them a powerful metaphor in therapy. Incorporating sunflower planting into sessions can help clients connect with nature while fostering mindfulness, patience, and hope.

Therapeutic Applications of Nature-Based Activities

Incorporating nature-based activities, such as planting sunflower seeds or lentils, into therapy sessions provides a powerful platform for promoting mental wellness, skill development, and meaningful engagement. These activities can be tailored to meet individual goals while fostering personal growth and social connections.

Key Benefits of Nature-Based Interventions

• Promotes Mental Wellness: Engaging with nature reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety while enhancing mood, focus, and a sense of connectedness to the environment (Ohly et al., 2016; Kaplan, 1995).

• Encourages Resilience: Planting seeds serves as a metaphor for personal growth and perseverance. Watching plants thrive reinforces adaptability and coping strategies in the face of challenges.

• Builds Mindfulness: Gardening provides sensory engagement and opportunities for reflection, promoting calmness and focus—particularly beneficial for individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities (Wilson, 1984).

• Develops Social Skills: Group gardening projects create opportunities for teamwork and communication. These activities foster a supportive environment where clients can build relationships and strengthen their social connections.

• Creates Positive Environments: Encourage clients to identify and engage with positive, supportive people in their lives, mirroring the sunflower's tendency to face toward nourishing sunlight. This approach helps cultivate a sense of well-being and happiness.

• Nurtures Hope: A single seed symbolises potential and growth. By planting and nurturing seeds, clients can connect with nature in a meaningful way while reflecting on their own goals and aspirations, fostering hope and a sense of accomplishment.

Practical Integration into Occupational Therapy

Nature-based interventions can be seamlessly incorporated into occupational therapy practice through activities like:

• Planting Projects: Engage clients in planting sunflower or lentil seeds to promote responsibility, patience, and goal-setting.

• Social Gardening Groups: Use group gardening sessions to enhance communication skills, teamwork, and social participation in a supportive setting.

• Nature-Inspired Activities: Encourage mindfulness through sensory-rich gardening tasks such as watering plants or observing growth patterns.

• Positive Reinforcement: Help clients draw parallels between nurturing plants and cultivating positive relationships or environments in their lives.

By integrating these nature-based practices into therapy sessions, occupational therapists can empower clients to grow emotionally, socially, and mentally, just as plants thrive with care and attention.

Planting Lentils

Here’s how you can grow your own lentils from the seeds:

How to Sprout Lentils Indoors

• Soak the Lentils: Place ½ cup of dried lentils in a jar or bowl with 3 cups of water. Cover with a breathable cloth and soak overnight.

• Drain and Rinse: Drain the water and rinse the lentils thoroughly. Repeat this step twice daily.

• Sprouting: Leave the rinsed lentils at room temperature in the jar (covered with cloth). Within 1–2 days, sprouts will appear!

• Enjoy Your Sprouts: Once sprouted (about ¼–½ inch long), rinse again and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

How to Grow Lentil Plants Outdoors

• Choose a Sunny Spot: Lentils thrive in full sun.

• Prepare the Soil: Use loose, sandy soil enriched with organic matter.

• Plant Seeds: Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and water immediately.

• Care for Plants: Water consistently during germination but avoid overwatering once established.

SUNFLOWER Seeds

If you’d like to grow sunflowers on your own or incorporate them as an NBI, here’s the guide:

PLANTING SUNFLOWERS

1. Choose a Sunny Spot: Sunflowers thrive in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

2. Prepare the Soil: Use fertile, well-drained soil.

3. Sow Seeds: Plant seeds about 2 cm deep and 60 cm apart in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up.

4. Water and Feed: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering.

Caring for Sunflowers

• Water regularly but avoid overwatering.

• Protect young plants from slugs and snails.

• Stake taller varieties to prevent wind damage.

Starting small with activities like planting sunflower or lentil seeds can empower occupational therapists to confidently integrate nature into clinical practice. These activities not only enhance client engagement but also foster emotional growth, resilience, and well-being.

I hope this guide inspires you to explore creative ways of weaving nature into your therapeutic work.

Shannon MOT
Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student
Sargent College, Boston University.

References

• Kaplan, S. (1995). The restorative benefits of nature: Toward an integrative framework. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 15(3), 169–182. doi: 10.1016/0272-4944(95)90001-2

• Ohly, H., White, M. P., Wheeler, B. W., Bethel, A., Ukoumunne, O. C., Nikolaou, V., & Garside, R. (2016). Attention Restoration Theory: A systematic review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 46, 251–268. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2016.09.001

• Kellert, S. R., & Wilson, E. O. (Eds.). (1993). The biophilia hypothesis. Island Press.

• Sullivan, W. C., Kuo, F. E., & Brunner, J. L. (2001). Views of nature and self-discipline: Evidence from inner city children. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 21(1), 49–63. doi: 10.1006/jevp.2000.0191