Siblings, especially twins, have a unique relationship with one another that can include bickering, jealousy and a close bond. But for Ellie DeShone, 17, there is something that she does not share with her twin brother -- his disorder. Paul has autism, a particularly severe form that stalls his development. He doesn't speak and has only been toilet-trained in recent years.

A pair of local programs bring young people together who have brothers or sisters with autism or other special needs to talk and socialize. The Young Sibshops accommodate children ages 4 to 7. A separate group, Sibshops, is for those ages 8 to 13.

Many kids, struggling with their physical or mental health, have found that horses can be part of their therapeutic path. After undergoing equine education, children who couldn't walk have taken their first step, children who couldn't talk have said their first word, and children scarred by sexual or physical abuse who couldn't trust have opened up to others for the first time. Learn more about these Indiana equine-facilated riding centers.