HINCHINBROOK METHODOLOGY

A ‘Yes’ & autism-friendly environment. Activities must be safe and respect other humans, the critters and the property. Out of doors in play paddock, on the forest trails, at the pond and in the stable/hay loft.
All sensory experiences are closely shadowed by trained volunteers. Walking and climbing, etc. on or in a variety of surfaces including: grass, pea gravel, class A gravel, crusher dust, wood chips, pine shavings, wooden floors, water, hay bales, rope ladders, stationery ladder, trampoline, rubber mats, pasture land, puddles, babbling brook, rocks, dock & pond (ice and snow in winter), zip line, hammocks, tensile (hanging) tent, campfire, (and more) leading to better management of sensory triggers and reduction of meltdowns due to active psoas muscles.
Self Advocacy. Children are asked and praised every time for their choices, including activities, food, location, games, horse. In three hour long ther-a-play playdate this leads to talkative kids unafraid to speak up.
A child’s NO is NO 100% of the time. Child is never pushed, teased or cajoled into doing any activity. This leads to trusting the staff. Alternative ways if possible that interest the child are always provided.
Multi-aged participants and whole families. Children learn from children. For example a negative 5 year old will say NO to taking a ride in the cart but an 8 year old asking a 5 year old to come for a cart ride produces a YES 100% of the time. Children learn how to play and interact in varied ages. Older children need to be MENTORS and learn how to lead; and younger children pick up the lead that older children give them. All family members, including siblings participate at ther-a-play dates. Parents can rest and watch or take part. Parents are served refreshments, offered to ride or drive the horses.

Food/Nutrition. All foods, including popsicles, cookies, etc. are home made. Fruits are always part of the refreshments either whole, in baking or in popsicles. NO artificial flavours, colours or preservatives in any of the foods. Maple syrup or honey is used as a sweetener whenever possible in all foods served. This has immediate positive effect on children with dietary issues. Parents report better behaviours, better sleeping. Usually part of this improvement is the rest a child’s tummy has from chemicals in processed food.
Theory of Mind. All volunteers are taught how to introduce perception-taking in games and activities during any interaction with the children.
Horses. Equines are used in riding, driving as well as being painted, decorated (bows ribbons etc) or used for sensory work (body to body) in a quiet, controlled setting. Children can groom, put on stickers, do ground work, liberty work and trick train the horses. Horseback riding is the only activity that produces 3 planes of movement (up and down, side to side and forward and back) for the rider sitting astride. Bodies that are stiff discover organically independent upper and lower body movement.
Academics. Math, history, reading and more can be taught astride a horse, jumping on a trampoline or any other activity. The farm has variety of books, flash cards, games and teaching tools to help with any kind of lesson a child wants to take on. Poor readers learn to read faster and better astride the horse because of the stimulation given to the learning centres of the brain. Math quizzes are also completed faster by the children. History can be learn by acting out battles and historical events.
Follow the child. Staff and volunteers are trained to engage and find out what interests the child. They do research when needed. The child’s interests are fostered and validated leading to discovery of their talents and gifts.