Frequently Asked Questions

Equine-Assisted ABA is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) delivered in a barn environment rather than a clinic or home setting.

Just like our home-based behavioural consultation, services begin with an assessment of the learner, followed by the development of individualized, goal-driven programming supervised by a RASP-A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Programs are created collaboratively with families to ensure goals are meaningful and relevant across environments.

The farm provides a highly motivating, naturalistic setting where many functional skills can be practiced in real time. Sessions are intentionally engaging and enjoyable, while remaining clinically purposeful and data-driven.

Equine-Assisted ABA is a therapeutic service grounded in the science of behaviour analysis. Horses are not the treatment; they are part of the environment in which evidence-based ABA strategies are implemented.

All sessions follow individualized ABA programs, include data collection, and are supervised by a BCBA. While sessions are often fun and engaging, they are always goal-directed and clinically intentional.

No. Riding is never required.

Programs may include mounted, unmounted, or ground-based activities depending on the learner’s goals, comfort level, and safety considerations. Many meaningful goals can be targeted without riding at all.

Yes! We would be happy to work with your established team to facilitate a seamless connection between the home and farm programs

ABA is the evidence-based treatment model used in our programs.

Research into Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) suggests that interactions with animals may support engagement, regulation, and social connection for some individuals. While the scientific literature specific to Animal-Assisted ABA is still emerging, our approach is to use the farm environment as a context for delivering established ABA strategies — not as a replacement for them.

We are transparent about the current state of the research and are committed to ethical, evidence-informed practice.

Yes. Equine-Assisted ABA may be eligible for Autism Funding when services are delivered under BCBA supervision, align with approved goals, and meet Autism Funding Unit (AFU) requirements.

Families are encouraged to confirm funding eligibility directly with the AFU, and we are happy to support families with documentation as appropriate.

All programs are developed and supervised by a RASP-A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Equine-Assisted ABA sessions include regular overlap with the resident BCBA to ensure clinical oversight, program fidelity, and data-informed decision-making. Supervision is built into service delivery to maintain professional and ethical standards.

Administrative time allows staff to collect and review data, complete session notes, and communicate relevant clinical information. This ensures progress is accurately tracked and programs are adjusted thoughtfully based on data.

This time is a required component of high-quality ABA services and aligns with Autism Funding Unit expectations.

Yes. We are happy to collaborate with established teams to support continuity across home and farm environments.

All services delivered at the farm operate under our clinical oversight, supervision standards, and safety policies, in accordance with professional and funding guidelines.

That’s okay — and very common.

Programs are always individualized and move at the learner’s pace. No interaction with horses is forced, and many goals can be targeted without direct horse involvement. Comfort, consent, and emotional safety are always prioritized.

True Colours was inspired by a deeply personal moment for our founder, Tina.

Over the years, Tina has supported many learners who struggled socially, often because others had difficulty seeing beyond challenging moments. One day, her own son — who sometimes acted impulsively and felt deep remorse afterward — asked why he didn’t have friends.

That evening, Tina sang True Colours to him, a reminder that he was loved exactly as he was, and that others would see his brilliance if they looked closely enough.

At True Colours, we don’t aim to change who learners are. We aim to support them in understanding themselves, building skills, and letting their true colours shine.