What if I told you that every one of us has the knowledge, the training, the skills and the opportunity to relieve the world’s most crippling affliction? This terrible condition is 100% treatable and reversible. It won’t require insurance coverage, legislation, staff meetings, specialists or any equipment. You think I’m lying or exaggerating. My argument isn’t supported …
For five consecutive summers, Square Peg has teamed up with the HMB Surf Club and the Junior Lifeguards, to present a fun, safe, and adventurous day at the beach that the whole family is invited to participate in! Surf days mean surfing, boogie-boarding, playing in the sand, sports on the beach (soccer, football, etc) and …
In 1984 I became a mom. I was still in high school. My son Greg was born 9 weeks early and weighed 3 and a half pounds. While he grew in an incubator in the hospital, I finished both high school and my first quarter of college. My son’s learning difficulty started early. He had …
Continue reading “A Very Personal History – And a Chance to Make Change”
“Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.” Gandhi Early this week, I traveled to Texas to check in with our beloved HorseBoy tribe and to study under the wisdom and patience of international equitation masters Sofia Valenca and Goncalo Linhas. I enjoyed the connection of a community united by love and the …
Hold your loved ones close this chilly holiday and remember that the gift of Dignity costs you nothing and can mean the world. I have a love-hate relationship with labels. Labels such as “special needs” or “autism spectrum disorder” can open doors, spark compassion, and create community. But they can also change how you view …
Today’s story is from rider Davis Finch. He tells his story of meeting Panzur – and how connecting with a special horse has helped him overcome anxiety and fear. In August of last year, I was ready to return to riding after a nasty fall but I needed a new horse to ride. The fall …
Adults and children giggle, whisper, point as my teen son happily splashes in the shallow end of the pool. At the mall, little children run into him and fall down. Not my son’s fault! But, he gets lambasted by the mothers because he is a big guy who walks away rather than helping the child …
The holidays are upon us. Short days, cold nights, warm beverages sipped from red cups….. The fall harvest affords us the chance to convene and give thanks for all we have.The Solstice – however you celebrate it – is another gathering to help us through the the longest nights together. In the Holiday spirit the …
Speaking at a conference last year, I made friends with Jill Carey who runs Festina Lente (Hasten Slowly) an equestrian program in Wicklow, Ireland for disadvantaged kids. Jill presented on the last morning and the room was full. She had a polished presentation with useful advice, good stories and evidence based practices. People were leaning in. Towards the end, …
Continue reading “It’s Our Choice: To be the Small Man or the Sage”
How to Make the World Safer, Happier and More Supportive for Autism Families A Diatribe by Joell Dunlap Sept 20, 2015 It’s not science, nor research. It’s not engineering. It’s not even (dare I say it?) education. The answer is – wait for it – it’s what you don’t want to hear – but it …
Continue reading “The Gospel According to Square Peg (pardon the f-bomb)”
