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Wild Camping?

Emmy

I am currently going through an episode of agoraphobia which started before the COVID19 outbreak and the virus has only made it worse BUT I am starting to do some exposure therapy techniques and slowly introduce the idea of leaving my house. 

I always loved camping as a child and would frequently set up camp and do bush crafting out in my mums garden. It was deffo a hyperfixation for me. I have recently rekindled that hyperfixation and I have a real want and need to get back into it.  

I would really love to go on a nice hike and do some wild camping as an end goal for my exposure therapy. 

But for the time being, I am going to start camping in the garden again, like I did as a child. Taking baby steps at first, going out there for an hour and if I feel like staying out there then I can, but if I want to come in, then that's fine too. But I have to make it the whole hour at least. Then gradually over time, increase the cut off time until overnights is possible, then bump it up to spending the weekend in my little campsite. 

My question is, does anyone else have a hyperfixation with camping? Wild camping experience? Do you think it would be cool if a wild camp / hike trip was organized so a small group of auties could get together and bond over the love of camping and being autistic haha. Because that would be something I would be interested in once I am out of this episode haha. 

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  • Hi Emmy

    Your post really resonated with me — thank you so much for sharing it so openly. I know that kind of honesty takes courage, and I completely relate to what you’re describing.

    I was diagnosed with autism at 47 and, like you, found myself drawn back to the outdoors and the peace it can bring. Wild camping has become a huge part of my own journey — not just for the adventure, but as a kind of therapy. I started really small too. Sometimes that just meant pitching in the garden or walking five minutes from home and calling it a camp. But over time, each step built a little more confidence.

    I now run a very small YouTube channel called Richard Mounsor Rambles where I share my camping experiences and talk candidly about autism and mental health. It’s not flashy or polished — just honest reflections on what it’s like being autistic in the wilds of Scotland. If it’s of any interest or encouragement, you’d be very welcome to join me on there.

    And yes — a wild camp meet-up for autistic folk sounds amazing. When the time’s right for you, I’d love to hear how your exposure therapy is going and maybe share a few ideas or campsite stories.

    Sending support and respect your way. Hopefully you are still camping!

    Warm wishes,
    Richard
    #AutisticExplorer | #WildCampingScotland
    YouTube: Richard Mounsor Rambles

Reply

  • Hi Emmy

    Your post really resonated with me — thank you so much for sharing it so openly. I know that kind of honesty takes courage, and I completely relate to what you’re describing.

    I was diagnosed with autism at 47 and, like you, found myself drawn back to the outdoors and the peace it can bring. Wild camping has become a huge part of my own journey — not just for the adventure, but as a kind of therapy. I started really small too. Sometimes that just meant pitching in the garden or walking five minutes from home and calling it a camp. But over time, each step built a little more confidence.

    I now run a very small YouTube channel called Richard Mounsor Rambles where I share my camping experiences and talk candidly about autism and mental health. It’s not flashy or polished — just honest reflections on what it’s like being autistic in the wilds of Scotland. If it’s of any interest or encouragement, you’d be very welcome to join me on there.

    And yes — a wild camp meet-up for autistic folk sounds amazing. When the time’s right for you, I’d love to hear how your exposure therapy is going and maybe share a few ideas or campsite stories.

    Sending support and respect your way. Hopefully you are still camping!

    Warm wishes,
    Richard
    #AutisticExplorer | #WildCampingScotland
    YouTube: Richard Mounsor Rambles

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