AAMFEST !!

Autism Awareness Music Festival - the second annual gathering. This is the first year the festival was held at the property of Top O' The Hill farm and location of Dream On Curls Riding Center. What an exciting day for us ! Crowds attended to relax under the tent to hear super music from 5 different bands and learn more about the resources available for those on the spectrum.




John Sullivan, Team Leader for HCRS’ Developmental Services program at HCRS and lead singer/guitar player of the John Sullivan Band says it all in his original music and lyrics -- Autism Speaks ~ and it's up to us to hear.




John Sullivan has also introduced a music program for HCRS clients called The Rhythmic Arts Project (TRAP). TRAP is an educational program for individuals with disabilities which uses percussion instruments to teach basic life skills. The program has supported HCRS clients in achieving their rehabilitative goals and has made a difference in the lives of those participating.


We had a brief shower and some threatening winds during the festival -- the horses played and enjoyed the music as well.. our two little lesson ponies put on a show

More samples of the great music -- just so you can experience what you missed by not attending this year's AAMFEST !! :)

The festival was not only all about the music however -- as the acronym suggests.. it is all about raising awareness. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified), Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders. Today, it is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism.

One is never prepared for a diagnosis of autism. It is likely that you will experience a range of emotions. It is painful to love so much, to want something so much, and not quite get it. You desperately want your child to get better and you may feel some of the stages commonly associated with grieving. One goal of the festival is to provide families with information and available resources to assist in coping and supporting.

Dream On Curls Riding Center is one of those resources. We have been providing a summer riding camp specifically focused on the needs of those children and young adults who are diagnosed as being 'on the spectrum' . This is a highly successful program with some very happy engaged riders. Mothers and Fathers are thrilled to see their children smiling and focused during their lesson.

Dream On Curls Riding Center is excited to have had the opportunity to help host this event ~ if you missed this year's festival.. watch for news of next year's date !

If you are interested in learning more about our therapeutic riding activities - please visit the web site or e-mail us.

Enjoy ~