Helping Children with Autism and Horses

May 12, 2024 ~ Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the U.S. About 1 in 36 children have been identified with ASD, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Michigan Voices talks with Autism Society of Greater Detroit Program Director Heather Zielinski about Autism identification and diagnosis.

Detroit Horse Power is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2015 by former Detroit elementary school teacher David Silver. DHP teaches Detroit students to ride and care for horses to develop critical skills that will set them up for academic, career, and life success. David Silver explains how Detroit Horse Power uniquely addresses two persistent problems facing the Motor City: the shortage of opportunities for metro Detroit’s vulnerable populations and the abundance of vacant land. Through riding and caring for horses in a safe and enriching space, program participants learn valuable skills that set them up for future success.