What can a few young people with autism learn from a few stallions? More than you think.
If I hadn't seen how horses help veterans deal with PTSD, I'd have been skeptical myself.
Dr. Temple Grandin, a leading expert on autism, noticed that there is a great deal of similarities between people with autism and animals.
This isn't meant to compare these individuals with animals in a negative way; rather, Grandin noticed that both groups think almost entirely in images.
Animals and those with autism are extremely visual. While those without autism can form lasting bonds with animals, imagine the special connection those who do have autism can form with them!
This means that folks on the spectrum are a little more comfortable with animals like horses, who are more reserved, intuitive, and even a little anxious.
People with autism may struggle with social queues in their everyday interactions, so horses, with their ability to communicate nonverbally, can help them.
The results are night and day. These teens who may not always know the best way to conduct themselves in social situations learn to build confidence, communication skills, and friendships with these wonderful creatures.
See how the horses teach them in the video below and see how they're transformed by the end of the process.
SHARE if you love seeing how humans can learn a thing or two from animals.
