My Son Is On The Autism Spectrum. Part 3

I'm a Mom who has done everything possible to hear my son speak. I have been pushed aside by doctors, have waited for appointments for months, and have been quoted costs that no family can afford.

I knew, somewhere out there, help was available that was creative, effective, and affordable.

That's when I discovered hippotherapy at Blazing Prairie Stars in Maple Park. Liam has been going for over a month now, and it has been a huge success!

What is hippotherapy you ask? It's speech therapy, incorporating a horse as a treatment strategy.

We look forward to going to Blazing Prairie Stars each week to see the therapists, the beautiful grounds, the horses and even the cats! It's a place full of happiness and hope. With his weekly visits, we have seen a huge increase in his speech and now with school in session, I hope to see an even bigger increase in what we hear.

It's amazing to watch him on the horses. Liam has become a true professional on how to get on, ride and to get off his horse. He seems to light up as he's riding and what Jackie, Jen and the rest of the staff get out of him is simply amazing. There's times I find myself in tears watching him ride, and hearing his voice. Yes, Liam is four, but we are starting to hear his words for the first time, and it's like music to my ears!

With every visit, we are learning more about Liam, autism, how he thinks, and ways we can enter his world and see things from his perspective....and we are finding out that his world is beautiful.

If you have a child that needs speech therapy, read about hippotherapy and Blazing Prairie Stars. It may just be your child's new beginning.

...And if Liam's story is new to you, read his introduction below:

Drew Carey is donating to Autism Speaks. Find out why------->here.