Tank is a happy seven-year-old who loves Tesla cars. When he is not talking, he is making car sounds and pretending to be driving or parking a Tesla. He has nine Tesla t-shirts made for him by his grandma and he wears one every day. Tank particularly likes electric cars because they are quiet and loud car noises bother him with his autism and cerebral palsy diagnoses.

Born at 24 weeks and only one pound at birth, Tank began therapy during his 165-day stay in the neonatal ICU and has been in multiple therapies ever since. He began telehealth physical therapy with The Shea Center in October 2020 and then transitioned to in-person therapy. Clinical occupational therapy was added in August 2021 where he worked on functional skills as he walked the horses, gave them treats, and worked on exercises around the barn, but he wanted to ride. So, Tank started hippotherapy in October 2021 and has now graduated to adaptive riding. To date, his favorite horse is Easy.

Tank’s mother, Angie, says riding has helped decrease Tank’s leg pain, and increased his stability for walking and stair climbing. He has gained confidence in his abilities, and his coordination, sensory issues, social skills, and attention have improved. Tank can now run and play and keep up with others. Angie remarks, “If Tank is having a bad day, just walking through The Shea Center gate causes an overall attitude reset.”