Alex, age six, was diagnosed with autism at four years old and has been participating in adaptive riding at The Shea Center for six months. Alex was referred to adaptive riding by his neurologist because he has anxiety – the movement of the horse and the focus it takes to ride calm Alex. Additionally, riding has helped him control his emotions and regulate his feelings. He manages his body better, is less impulsive, and is gentler.

Lisa, Alex’s mom, reports that usually, Alex doesn’t like change but working with different sidewalkers during his lessons has helped him become more flexible. She says, “Riding in a class with another rider and interacting with his sidewalker and instructor has improved Alex’s social and communication skills. He is proud of his accomplishments, and he tells me all about what happened during his lesson on the ride home.”

Alex likes to be in the barn with the horses feeding carrots, grooming, and even scooping poop. He loves everything about being at The Shea Center, which is a highlight of his week.

Now that Alex is gentler and more careful, he wants to be more independent and have a medium-sized, fluffy dog for a pet, which would also help with his sensory processing. So, he is working hard to show his parents he can take on responsibility and earn the right to have a dog by the time he is eight years old.

In kindergarten, Alex is a bright student reading above his level. In addition to three other therapies during the week, he enjoys swimming, jujitsu, golf, and piano.

Lisa comments, “At The Shea Center, all the volunteers, staff, and facilities are amazing. It’s a great experience.”