Clear, sourced answers on autism & animal therapy
Plain-English answers to the real questions families, carers and professionals ask — each one referenced to named, trustworthy sources. New guides are added regularly.
Evidence
Does equine therapy help autistic children?
What controlled studies and reviews actually show — and what they don't.
Read →Explainer
Therapeutic riding vs EAL vs psychotherapy
Three terms, three very different things. A clear comparison table.
Read →Scotland
How long is the autism assessment wait in Scotland?
The latest official figures, and what to do while you wait.
Read →Scotland
What can I do while waiting for an autism assessment?
Help doesn't wait for a diagnosis — a practical, sourced checklist.
Read →Local
Autism support in East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire & North Ayrshire
Council, NHS and charity services near you — most open without a diagnosis.
Read →Evidence
Can children who don’t or can’t ride still benefit from horses?
Grooming, groundwork and quiet time — what the research does and doesn’t show.
Read →Money
What does animal & equine therapy cost — and is help available?
Real published UK prices, plus the Scottish grants and payments that can cover them.
Read →Evidence
Does animal therapy help with anxiety & emotional regulation?
Physiological, behavioural and stress-hormone studies — what they measure, and their limits.
Read →Practical
Preparing your child for a first visit to a farm or stables
Preview it, plan for the senses, keep it short — a calm, sourced first-visit plan.
Read →More answers on the way — from “what grants fund autism charities in Scotland?” to “what is a SCIO, and how does a small autism charity get set up in Scotland?”. See the evidence & data hub →