Fighting Autism on Horseback

Scientists may think robots are the new frontier for finding a cure for autism, but one strategy may involve getting out of the house. Horse Boy, a new book by travel writer Rupert Isaacson, is a portrait of life with his autistic son. Isaacson received a $1 million book advance before taking his family on a four-week tour of Mongolia, where he sought healing from local Shamans, and discovered that horseback riding was therapeutic for his son. This is the story of shamanic medicine, and the calming effect of travel, but it’s also a memoir about living with autism—and how it’s still possible to lead a life of adventure.