273: Autism and Wilderness Therapy: How Elements Eclipse Helps Neurodivergent Teens Thrive

In this episode Will speaks with Dr. Neal Christensen, psychologist, researcher, and co-owner of Elements Programs in Utah. With over two decades in the field, Dr. Christensen shares his journey from discovering outdoor experiential work in high school to becoming a leader in wilderness therapy for neurodivergent youth. As co-creator of the Eclipse program at Elements, he discusses how the model intentionally shifts away from traditional primitive skills to better support teens on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, and other social-cognitive challenges through tailored interventions that emphasize emotional regulation, social skills, and executive functioning. Dr. Christensen also explores the evolution of wilderness therapy research, highlighting the significant outcome data from Elements and the broader Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council. He shares insights into how targeted, evidence-based adaptations—like allowing wristwatches, using specialized social skills curricula, and designing digital media interventions—improve outcomes for neurodivergent clients. This conversation is essential listening for parents seeking effective alternatives to traditional therapy and for professionals interested in how research continues to shape best practices in the field. To access the research mentioned in this episode: https://elementsprograms.com/resources/research/ Stories from the Field is supported by White Mountain Adventure Institute: https://www.wmai.org/