Joy

Dr. Rebecca Evanko is autistic. Abandoned at 15 and a high-school dropout, through her life she endured ostracism and loneliness, learned indelible truths, orchestrated her own spectacular failures, and experienced moments of success. Through all of this, she found her way to trust, love, confidence – and joy. Her life illustrates autistic struggle in a neurotypical world, yet also illuminates that autistic people, when given the right support, can flourish. An equestrian with a penchant for endurance riding, business owner, writer, former university faculty member, and drawing on her lived experiences, Dr. Evanko has designed the first equine-assisted therapy program and curriculum designed for autistics by autistics. She credits her horses, and the connection between horses and autistic people, for much of her success. This is her story.