Therapy that meets children where they are.

The Viaduct delivers a movement- and animal-assisted therapy model developed around the needs of autistic children, in purpose-designed facilities. Core approaches include therapeutic riding, hippotherapy and structured movement work; the exact blend for each child is shaped at their initial assessment.

Hippotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses the movement of a horse as a treatment tool: the horse's rhythmic, three-dimensional gait provides sensory and motor input that supports the rider's posture, regulation and neurological processing. It differs from riding lessons — the goal isn't horsemanship but the therapeutic effect of the movement itself, guided by trained practitioners.

Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) is the structured integration of animals into therapeutic, enrichment or educational programmes. Research consistently associates AAI with increased social interaction in autistic children — the most commonly reported outcome across studies — along with benefits to communication, emotional wellbeing and stress. Some autistic children who find people overwhelming relate more readily to animals, which is often where progress starts.

Therapy begins with an initial assessment, after which sessions are shaped to the child's needs — delivered one-to-one at staffing ratios of up to four specialist staff per child, or in small groups where that's right for the child. A typical course runs one day per week over twelve weeks.

Sessions are delivered by qualified, experienced practitioners, supported by specialist equestrian staff. Parents and carers are involved throughout — deliberately.

Because it multiplies the effect. We teach families the techniques used in sessions so they can be continued at home and school, extending the therapy's impact far beyond one day a week — and reducing long-term dependence on us, which we consider a feature. Progress that only exists on our site isn't the kind we're aiming for.

No. Therapy is open to children studying at The Viaduct, children in any other educational setting, and children and young people not currently attending education at all. Each pathway starts the same way: an initial assessment and an honest conversation about fit.

Start with an enquiry — we'll arrange an initial conversation and assessment, and talk you plainly through funding: what's possible in your situation, and what evidence commissioners typically need.

Our therapy programmes are currently designed for children and young people. A programme for young adults will follow in due course — register your interest and we'll let you know when it opens. In the meantime, parents and carers aren't bystanders here: you're involved throughout your child's therapy, and our dedicated parent and carer training is available in its own right.