Angels trot along to schoolto teach lessons in Autism

As part of World Autism Awareness Month the Kearby-based charity, which uses horses to help people on the autistic spectrum, took ponies Rocky and Blackjack to meet the children.

Youngsters learnt how their voices, gestures and touch can impact on both horses and those with sensory challenges.

The aim of the day was to help the children to gain an understanding of autism and how they can adapt their own behaviour to help someone with autism feel more comfortable.

Highfield teacher, Andrew Hart, who organised the day said: “Often even as adults people aren’t comfortable with the idea of autism and what it really means.

“The idea of the Autism Awareness Day was to help the children to learn about autism and to understand how they can positively impact on the lives of those on the autistic spectrum.

“I hope that the lessons learnt today will stay with the children for the rest of their lives.”

Pupils and staff also dressed in blue for the day and attended a special assembly led by pupils Ben and Natasha Holt who explained what they had learnt about autism following their brother’s diagnosis.

A sponsored hobby horse race and cake stall were also part of the dedicated Autism Awareness Day at the school with all money raised going to support the work of Autism Angels.

Autism Angels was founded by horse whisperer Sarah Shearman who believed that using horses could help improve communication with those on the autistic spectrum.

The charity works with families, individuals and professionals at its equine facility.

For more information about Autism Angels’ work and services, log on to: www.autismangels.co.uk