Barefoot Autism Challenge 2025 officially begins

 

Well ladies and gentleman, boys and girls of all ages, the 2025 Barefoot Autism Challenge is underway! As many of you know, the theme for this year is about being barefoot in nature. So that means you can go on a barefoot walk at your local park on the trails, on the grass, in the mud (my personal favorite), in the water, in the sand, climbing a tree, or in the snow if you still got some. Though I hope that we don't have a lot of snow this spring.

Here's some examples:

My friend Reann barefoot in the snow

My friend Katie and I barefoot on green grass

Me barefoot on the sand at Gray's Lake

My feet in the water at Gray's Lake again

My feet all covered in mud

The practice of being barefoot in nature is called Earthing. Earthing is proven to be beneficial to mental health by making people feel relaxed, happier, less back pain, and improved sleep. So this April, I encourage you to go barefoot in nature this April and use #barefootautismchallenge in your pictures and/or videos. There might be autism events or nature walks in your area that you can share the Barefoot Autism Challenge with as well. Check with your local autism organizations for details. Have fun this April!