“My non-speaking, autistic son started receiving nature-based occupational therapy at Willow Tree OT as a two year old in June of 2021.  In January of 2024 he started receiving that therapy when the Nature Connection Program for 3-10 year old children was meeting with a goal of integrating him into the group.  

Laura, his occupational therapist, both follows his lead to allow for weaving in and out of the group and observing from afar as well as encourages him to fully participate.  Since September 2024 my son has stayed past his occupational therapy time for the whole program. My son joins the group for stump circle, takes his turn waiting for the swing, drinks tea with peers, and genuinely anticipates his "Nature Group" days.  Recently I observed him working cooperatively with a peer, navigating sharing the water spicket and filling a bucket with water. What a beautiful thing!

The environment at Willow Tree is peaceful and welcoming. This opportunity for my son to join peers in open-ended play time is incredibly rare and special, valuable beyond words for him, but also valuable for the neurotypical children. I have seen tremendous development and growth in my son since he has joined the group, especially in awareness and interest in other children, following instructions, and compromising. I get emotional thinking or talking about my son's integration into the Nature Connection Program because I know how lucky we are and how impactful this experience is for him! ”

-Wendy S.