Rebuilding Social Skills in Teens: Neurodiversity, the Pandemic, and the Power of Being Outdoors

Teen years are a time when social development plays a critical role in shaping things we usually take for granted, like social-emotional health and our sense of identity. But even if we often take them for granted, let’s not underestimate their importance. Social-emotional health and a sense of identity set us up for success in school, business, relationships, and other parts of life. 

For many teens—especially those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, or ADHD—developing strong social skills can be a daily struggle. These challenges were only made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted routines, therapy, and peer interaction in ways we’re still recovering from.

Now, as we emerge into a post-pandemic world, parents, educators, and caregivers are asking the same question: How do we help teens rebuild connection, confidence, and social fluency? 

One simple, powerful answer is: Get them outside.

Understanding the Social Struggles of Teens With Different Abilities

Long before the pandemic, teens with ADHD or autism often found themselves socially isolated. For example:

• Teens with ADHD are more likely to be rejected by peers (up to 50%, compared to just 10–15% of their neurotypical peers).

• Teens with ASD frequently struggle to read social cues and navigate unspoken social norms.

• Social anxiety—which affects about 1 in 4 adolescents—can lead to avoidance of conversations or group settings, reinforcing loneliness.

These difficulties can have long-term consequences, including increased rates of depression, substance use, and school disengagement.

The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact on Social Development

When COVID-19 shut down schools and forced social interaction online, teens lost access to in-person therapy, extracurriculars, and everyday peer interaction. In fact:42% of children lost access to therapy services during the pandemic.

• Teens, especially boys, spent significantly more time alone—up to 154 extra minutes per day, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Feelings of "languishing" (low well-being, low engagement) rose dramatically and have remained high even after lockdowns ended.

Neurodiverse teens were hit hardest, experiencing regression in motor, communication, and social-emotional skills. The consequences of this isolation are still unfolding.

Why Outdoor Time Matters—Especially Now

Getting outside isn’t just good for physical health—it’s a catalyst for social development and emotional healing. Four major reasons for this are:

1. Natural environments reduce stress and stimulate the brain in ways that promote openness, creativity, and conversation.

2. Shared challenges (like hiking a trail, learning a new game, or experiencing an adrenaline pumping adventure) foster bonding and teamwork—without the pressure of direct social confrontation.

3. Outdoor play is unstructured, allowing teens to navigate social roles, problem-solve, and take healthy risks in a low-stakes environment.

4. Exercise boosts mood and attention, helping teens with anxiety or ADHD regulate emotions and focus better in social settings.

In short, outdoor experiences provide a low-pressure, high-benefit environment for teens to practice being people again.

Tips for Getting Teens Outdoors—and Helping Them Reconnect

If your teen has become more withdrawn, anxious, or screen-bound, it might feel hard to motivate them. Start small and use gentle structure. Here are practical ideas to help:

1. Create Small Challenges

Build in low-stress adventure: geocaching, beginner hikes, kayaking, nature scavenger hunts. The act of working toward a shared goal (find the cache, reach the summit) builds communication skills, trust, and a sense of achievement.

2. Model Social Engagement

Teens notice how adults interact. Invite them to group activities where they can observe and join in naturally. Think family picnics, community cleanups, or low-key barbecues—settings where mingling isn’t mandatory, but opportunity is there.

3. Set a Routine

Make outdoor time part of the weekly rhythm. Even 30 minutes walking the dog after dinner can be grounding. Routine creates safety, especially for teens with ASD or ADD who thrive on predictability.

4. Limit Screens Gently

Don’t just ban screens—replace them. Offer outdoor alternatives that feel engaging or rewarding. Create tech-free zones or times (like no phones during hikes) and frame it as a family recharge opportunity, not a punishment.

Connection Starts Small

For many teens, getting back into the flow of social life is not automatic. It takes patience, opportunity, and trust. Being outdoors offers all of these, in a natural, unforced way.

Our goal at Boundless Edventures is to give kids a chance to experience the outdoors (and step outside their comfort zone) in a social atmosphere that promotes inclusivity and nurtures their natural curiosity. Whether you have a child who is wholly apprehensive or enthusiastic with a few reservations, our “edventures” are designed to give them the opportunity they need.

Dylan Roche