Shining a light on challenges on World Autism Awareness Day

Hilltops Early Intervention team manager Teena Whitechurch said there's lots of children and adults with autism in the community, many who access therapy and education services through Hilltops Early Intervention.

Ms Whitechurch highlighted challenges that people with autism experience, including social skills, sensory processing and behavioural challenges.

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While key areas of focus for educators are concentrating and completing tasks, occupational therapists look at using hands and the body, and speech therapists focus on communicating.

"It's primarily a social disorder but when you meet one person with autism, you've only met one with autism, they all present very differently," manager Teena Whitechurch said.

"Social communication skills is the main one, initiating conversation, asking questions, and body awareness."

A number of students with autism attend Riding For Disabled on a regular basis on Tuesdays at the Young Showground.

Riding For Disabled coach Cheryl Matthews said activities they provide have been proven to help children with various disabilities, including autism.

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"It's been proven that the motion of the horse actually helps children with their balance and doing things they might not normally do," Ms Matthews said.

"Activities involve hand-eye coordination, balance and hand movements. and it gives them a sense of well-being when they're on a horse - they're doing something that others aren't doing in the rest of the school."

Speech therapist Anna Carter echoed Ms Matthews words.

"Animal therapy with people with autism is amazing, at times we can get the most out of therapy with animals."

A number of children from various schools participate in Riding For Disabled, as well as some from Forbes and people from Boorowa and Cootamundra.