My son, Henko was born on 21 August 2009. He was a very calm baby with the most beautiful blue eyes, a real angel. At first he developed normally but between the age of 1 and 2, his development slowed down. He became more quite, struggled to sleep, had repetitive behaviour, didn’t cope with changes in routine or environment, had problems with social skills… What was concerning me most was the delay in speech as well as being ‘’in his own world’’ sometimes. I knew something was wrong.
Henko started with Speech therapy in 2012. Within a short period, he also started with Occupational therapy. After a few months, the Speech and OT Therapist suggested that we take Henko to Dr Lippert as the progress he made was very poor. Dr Lippert diagnosed Henko with PDD (ASD) and ADHD. Early 2015, I decided to take Henko for horse riding/therapy. I felt we needed to try something new as he showed a lot of progress with the OT, but he was still not able to communicate verbally.
On the first day with Lisa (May 2015), I still told myself not to have high expectations regarding the results… if the horse riding made him happy, I would have been pleased. Henko wasn’t in a good mood on arrival. I was totally shocked after the first session. On our way home, Henko was in ‘’a good space’’ and very happy. He was very verbal and loud – for the first time he was mumbling a lot. I could see (and hear in this case) the change in Henko the next day as well. After this experience, Wednesdays became my favourite day of the week!
Lisa and her assistants know how to work with children. They are in control and strict when needed, but also motivate the children in a positive way when they see tenderness is needed.
Dr Lippert told me that I’m doing enough for my child by taking him to Speech and OT therapy (and to him) but I feel that the horse riding therapy definitely stimulates Henko. Therefore I recommend Horse riding/therapy to any child with speech problems.
Marie du Preez
