Armenia is just full of stunning nature, and we want everyone to experience it! ARI + Arvestaran’s inclusive hiking program is designed to create an environment where neurodiverse children can fully participate in and enjoy outdoor activities. The second aim of the program is to harness expertise from two fields: outdoor exploration and special education.

By organizing training for professionals, the program’s goal is to foster an environment that integrates best practices and knowledge from both fields. Through this collaboration, we can address the following challenges and needs that children with ASD face in Armenia, such as the community’s limited awareness and understanding, a lack of physical wellbeing and social interaction and the unavailability of alternative inclusive activities.

Activities in nature generally help to reduce problematic behavior, minimize stress from unknown environments, improve self-consciousness, and overcome social anxiety. Children also see benefits in the areas of sensory stimulation, physical activity, cognitive development, social interaction, emotional wellbeing, self-esteem and integration.