#Greenspace

Children given greater access to green spaces before birth and during early years face significantly lower risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, according to new research from Rutgers University published this week in the journal Environment International. The study, which surveyed data from over 1.8 million mother–child pairs in the United States, reveals that exposure to lush, vegetated environments, measured down to the ZIP code level, can reduce rates of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and learning delays—even after factoring in socio-economic differences. For urban-dwelling families, particularly among Black and Hispanic populations, the effects are especially pronounced, suggesting a path forward for more equitable child health outcomes.

A large, peer-reviewed study in Environment International finds that greater access to green spaces before birth and through early childhood is associated with lower risks of neurodevelopmental disorders. Analyzing nearly 1.84 million mother–child pairs, researchers linked higher neighborhood green cover, measured at the ZIP code level, with reduced rates of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and learning delays. The protective effects persisted after adjusting for socio-economic factors, with stronger benefits seen among urban, Black, and Hispanic families.