Geocaching With Special Needs

[+AspergerSadie]

Hi all.

 

A little over 10 years ago, I found my very first geocache while I was walking my dog. Just a year before that, I was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. It can mean that I struggle with things like social and communication skills. For me personally, it also makes, traveling difficult. I have a hard time driving even on local roads.

 

But I've found that geocaching has really helped me. When I first started out, there were so many people who were willing to help me learn the game. Even when I didn't have a GPS at first, I'd use satellite maps and hints in the logs to find caches at my local park. If I still had trouble, I'd explain my situation, and people would provide me with hints for where to look! Once, I placed my own unofficial geocache right next to a real one (not understanding the rules), and people were so friendly in signing my little piece of paper tucked inside. No one complained, and it really encouraged me to keep playing.

 

Today (now that I have an app with a real GPS), I still benefit from the game. This time, it has motivated me to expand my driving routes. I will find many caches in my area, and then I'll look just outside of my comfort zone. It makes me want to learn what back roads I need to take, and my reward is an awesome cache. By doing this, I've actually driven myself to another state.

 

So I guess I first just want to thank the geocaching community. Thank you for helping to create a fun, positive way for me to grow and continue to grow.

 

The second thing I'm wondering about is if there is even more that the community can do. Has geocaching helped others with special needs that you know? Can this idea be expanded upon by the community to be even more inclusive? (If so, who should I contact?)

 

Thank you all again. (And sorry this post is so long!)

[+candlestick]

Aww that is so cool! Thanks for sharing this! I'm glad geocaching has given you a chance to have fun and that people were so helpful.

I know a guy in our community who has worked with a new geocacher that is handicapped to hide their first cache. I've seen alot of times too when members of my community have reached out and brought people with handicaps and disabilities, or people who are new to the game, in groups to go geocaching. That way they can all stick together which is much safer and having a guide that knows the area is helpful too.

For me, Ive been shy for most of my life not knowing how or when to talk to people. I've had a similar experience to what you shared in that many kind geocachers have included me in their outings and invited me on trips, and provided helpful feedback which has really allowed me to grow as a person and open up. I've always loved discovering new areas and traveling but geocaching can work as a base guide to bring people to great areas and that's exactly what happened for me! Now I know the city I live in like the back of my hand and feel confident enough to introduce myself to other geocachers.

Glad to hear what a positive impact geocaching and geocachers can have on one another.

[+Viajero Perdido]

I'd have to say your written communication skills are pretty darn excellent.

 

Thanks for sharing such an uplifting story. We all get something out of this game, otherwise we wouldn't do it, right?

 

Cache on!

[+L0ne.R]

Hi all.

 

A little over 10 years ago, I found my very first geocache while I was walking my dog. Just a year before that, I was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. It can mean that I struggle with things like social and communication skills. For me personally, it also makes, traveling difficult. I have a hard time driving even on local roads.

 

But I've found that geocaching has really helped me. When I first started out, there were so many people who were willing to help me learn the game. Even when I didn't have a GPS at first, I'd use satellite maps and hints in the logs to find caches at my local park. If I still had trouble, I'd explain my situation, and people would provide me with hints for where to look! Once, I placed my own unofficial geocache right next to a real one (not understanding the rules), and people were so friendly in signing my little piece of paper tucked inside. No one complained, and it really encouraged me to keep playing.

 

Today (now that I have an app with a real GPS), I still benefit from the game. This time, it has motivated me to expand my driving routes. I will find many caches in my area, and then I'll look just outside of my comfort zone. It makes me want to learn what back roads I need to take, and my reward is an awesome cache. By doing this, I've actually driven myself to another state.

 

So I guess I first just want to thank the geocaching community. Thank you for helping to create a fun, positive way for me to grow and continue to grow.

 

The second thing I'm wondering about is if there is even more that the community can do. Has geocaching helped others with special needs that you know? Can this idea be expanded upon by the community to be even more inclusive? (If so, who should I contact?)

 

Thank you all again. (And sorry this post is so long!)

 

Geocaching did the same for me. Expanded my driving horizon. I didn't drive much back in the early 2000s. preferring to stick to my town, avoid highways. Slowly I expanded my area and my confidence. Conquering the major highways and eventually big cities with bumper-to-bumper traffic, quick decision making and tough parking. Although I learned that geocaching in busy downtown areas of big cities is not something I enjoy. I prefer the slow easy drives and countryside landscapes.

 

The other thing it did for me is helped me get over my anxiety of walking in the woods. Having my dog helps too. I imagined nasty humanoids lurking inside. I also worried about getting lost. I learned to be aware of my environment, look for landmarks, mark waypoints along the way. It's a pleasant experience now, refreshing and relaxing.

[+geocat_]

As part of a presentation I did (a continuing education symposium for other recreational therapists), we had an experiential portion in which we actually paired up therapists with local people who had different "disabilities" One girl had CP as well as autism. She found the social interaction which came as a natural part of Geocaching as a group to be very beneficial. She described it as "fun" and performed above her normal level of social interaction with others without even realizing it. Good stuff!

[+Harry Dolphin]

Asperger Syndrome/ASD is a tough problem. Like so much of modern medicine, so many things are lumped together that are not necessarily related. Some apply to some people, others do not. So I am not sure that it is actually one syndrome.

One of my brothers (my parents had nine children) says that we all have Asperger to one extent or another, symptoms varying. (Some of us wonder how our parents ever got together in the first place.) But heredity is listed as a cause.

I have searched it on-line, and found many aspects that could apply, and many that do not.

We were never an out-going social family. One of my sisters-in-law proclaimed that "What time's dinner is a secret in that family." My mother said "It's always at 5:30."

I have few friends, and hate change. (I've lived in the same apartment for forty years.) (I hate change!) Both symptoms. But I have no problem driving (except in big cities), expecially with the nüvi to guide me. Or many of the other symproms.

Not being out-going, I've had problems at events. But, over the years, I have gotten to know a number of other cachers, and they greet me and chat at events.

Geocaching has been great for me. I love hiking in the woods. But since my partner died two years ago. I'm back to hiking/geocaching by myself. And it will probably continue that way.

Events can be fun, but not being out-going can make them boring and difficult.

I wish you luck. Try being out-going at events. But that doesn't work for us, does it?

Giant Dolphin squeeze.