Joy: The Journey of an Autistic from the Lost Generation

Dr. Rebecca Evanko is autistic. Her Ph.D in cognitive linguistics is an interdisciplinary combination of philosophy and psychology. An equestrian with a penchant for endurance riding, business owner, writer, and former university faculty member, Dr. Evanko has designed the first equine-assisted therapy program designed for autistics by autistics. A high school dropout and abandoned at age 15, Dr. Evanko credits her horses -- and the connection between horses and autistic people -- for much of her success. She lives in New Mexico with her husband, three dogs, one cat, and five horses.