Autism and Horses: Creating Connection Through Equine-Assisted Counselling

In my practice, I have the privilege of working with many neurodivergent individuals—each with their own story, needs, and strengths. Among them are those who identify as autistic, whether formally diagnosed or self-identified. Increasingly, I’m seeing how powerful equine-assisted counselling can be in supporting these individuals—offering something that is often hard to find in traditional therapeutic settings: a non-verbal, embodied, and deeply respectful space for connection.

A Brief History of Autism – And Why Language Matters

Autism was first formally described in the early 20th century, with Leo Kanner’s work in 1943 and Hans Asperger’s around the same time. For decades, autism was misunderstood and often misrepresented in medical literature and the media. The term Asperger’s Syndrome was later coined to describe individuals—often highly verbal or with strong intellectual abilities—whose traits did not fit the older, narrower definitions of autism.

However, in recent years, the term Asperger’s has been increasingly rejected by many in the autistic community. This is not just a semantic choice. It’s a moral one.

Historical investigations have revealed that Hans Asperger, the Austrian paediatrician after whom the syndrome was named, was involved in the Nazi eugenics program, sending disabled children to their deaths while protecting those he deemed “useful” or “high-functioning.” For many autistic individuals, particularly those advocating for broader understanding and acceptance, continuing to use his name feels deeply inappropriate and painful.

Today, the umbrella term autism (or Autism Spectrum Disorder, though many prefer simply autism or autistic) is more widely used. This shift reflects not only a growing awareness of the condition’s diversity, but also a greater emphasis on respecting neurodivergent identity and lived experience.

Autism and the Challenge of Traditional Therapy

Autistic individuals often process and experience the world in ways that can feel overwhelming, especially in spaces that are highly verbal, abstract, or sensory-heavy—such as conventional talk therapy settings.

In these contexts, they may feel misunderstood, overstimulated, or pushed to “mask” their natural behaviours in order to meet neurotypical expectations. This masking can be exhausting, and in the long run, harmful to mental health.

What many autistic clients need is not to be “fixed” but to be met where they are—with gentleness, clarity, and a deep respect for their way of being.

Why Equine-Assisted Counselling Can Be So Effective

This is where equine-assisted counselling offers something unique.

Working alongside horses provides a rich, sensory, and relational experience that doesn’t rely on traditional conversation. Horses respond to what’s real and authentic in the moment. They don’t judge or expect eye contact. They communicate through body language and presence—skills that many autistic individuals naturally excel in or feel more comfortable with.

Some of the key benefits of equine-assisted counselling for autistic individuals include:

• Regulation through Rhythm and Movement: Grooming, walking, or simply being with a horse offers a soothing, repetitive experience that can support nervous system regulation.

• Non-Verbal Communication: Horses invite participants to tune into body language, intention, and emotional energy—all of which deepen self-awareness and social understanding in a natural, non-pressured way.

• Safe Relational Space: Horses do not require masks. They meet the individual as they are, which can be incredibly healing for someone used to hiding parts of themselves to fit in.

• Sensory Engagement: While some autistic individuals are sensory-avoidant, others find tactile or nature-based experiences grounding. The smells, textures, and sounds of the equine environment can provide a connection to the present moment that is both calming and embodied.

A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

It’s important to say clearly: autism is not a disorder to be cured. It is a neurotype—a different way of thinking, sensing, feeling, and relating. When we frame autism as a variation rather than a deficit, we begin to offer truly supportive care.

In my ongoing training and practice, I’m committed to a neurodiversity-affirming approach. This means:

• Honouring identity and communication differences

• Challenging ableist assumptions in therapeutic spaces

• Creating environments that allow autistic individuals to be themselves fully—without pressure to conform or mask

Moving Forward, Together

Equine-assisted counselling isn’t a magic fix. But for many individuals with autism, it offers something truly rare: space to breathe, connect, and explore themselves without judgement. It’s about building trust—not just with the horse or the therapist, but with one’s own inner experience.

As we continue to learn more about autism—and listen more deeply to those who live it—we have the chance to build a world where support is about connection, not correction.

If you or someone you care about is autistic and seeking a different kind of therapeutic support, equine-assisted counselling might be a powerful place to begin.