The objective of this study was to explore the use of Adventure Education on students
taken from a school who specialises in children who have a diagnosis of autism. The
greater aim of this study is to gain an understanding of whether Adventure Education
should be more involved within the National Curriculum, by using a variety of activities
throughout a one-week period assessing mood state after each activity and correlating
data from the first day to the last and then seeing if there has been a long-term difference
by using a four-week retention period.
Overall, despite small sample size of this study did not provide sufficient data in which
to draw a conclusion with confidence. The study did demonstrate a short-term benefit
to students from the activities throughout the intervention week. Information taken from
the parents and teachers reiterates that there can be a benefit from Adventure Education
interventions. Therefore, if the school were to introduce more Adventure Education
throughout their schooling days, there will be an increased benefit for their students,
with a longer-term effect. Teachers working with autistic adolescents should consider
the use of Adventure Education within their curriculum because of the points discussed
throughout this study.