Dr Samantha Friedman

In this episode, Ben Branson is joined by Dr. Samantha Friedman, a researcher exploring the intersection of autism, human-nature relationships, and wellbeing. Together they discuss how natural environments can offer calming, non-judgmental spaces that support regulation, curiosity, and connection.

Dr. Samantha shares how autistic people connect with nature in ways that reflect their individual needs - from immersive outdoor experiences to more accessible, sensory-based encounters. With a PhD from Cambridge and a current Lecturer in Applied Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, her work is helping reframe how we understand autism’s unique and powerful relationship with the natural world.