Parent of 4 year old boy with ASD

“Since our son’s official diagnosis with Autistic Spectrum Disorder this past June, my husband and I have had to get to know our son in a completely different light.  Once we knew what made him “tick”, what triggered communicative ability and how we can learn more about our boy’s special needs, we were able to change what we needed to change in order to remain on the right track.

We jumped at the opportunity to register our son and days later we’ve built some of the best memories of him during his session with Christine, Anne and Judy.  These three ladies are all angels in disguise and have earned their wings in so many ways. 

All kids love farm animals and we initially thought that it would take a few sessions before our son can ride Odee the horse but sure enough, on the first day, he proudly mounted Odee who then walked around the trackWithin moments, he and Odee became friends and the bond was instantaneous!  This brought tears to our eyes.  I could not imagine how a horse can do so much good to a child simply by letting them sit on their back and walk a little.  It’s a connection that I don’t think anyone can explain but it is obviously something very special and precious. 

The track is designed in a way that he would identify certain items hanging from a tree or sitting in a coloured bucket relevant to shapes and animals where he would anticipate finding these items as he’s riding. This has helped with building anticipation.  Then there’s feeding the chickens and collecting the eggs from the coop, this helped with his ability to count as the chickens would come out of the coop to feed and he would count them as they hopped out one by one.  Collecting the eggs was such a reward for him as it was something he loved to do!

Feeding the other animals hay in yard was another way for him to exert a little energy as he would have to help Anne with the wheelbarrow and through the hay over the gate.  The naps on the way home from every session is a sure sign of how much he worked hard on the farm.

Riding had to be his favourite part. The only time we have seen him as calm as he is while he’s riding Odee is right before bed after we’ve read a zillion bedtime stories!  This experience was absolutely amazing and I can’t tell you have thrilled we are to have been able to expose our son to such a beautiful and unique environment.   Christine, Anne and Judy have contributed to my son’s memories and it will be cherished by all of us! 

The generous grant from Dr. Navaneelan through Success by Six was an investment that warmed many little hearts. The Horseback Therapy with Second Wind Acres hasn’t only helped with his development but it opened a door for hope and endless possibilities for our son.  The smile on his face when he is with Odee is more rewarding than anything we can ever imagine and for that, we are thankful, we are lucky and we are better parents for being able to experience this with our son and his special friend Odee.”