Parents with autistic children are turning to Hippotherapy in increasing numbers. This 30 year old method of therapy involves using the horse as a treatment tool to accomplish therapeutic objectives such as improving balance, strength and motor coordination.
Emotional bond between student and horse
Hippotherapy involves using the horse as a treatment tool to accomplish therapeutic objectives such as improving balance, strength and motor coordination.
Autism hippotherapy teaching strategies may also focus on promoting communication, sensory regulation and the emotional bond between student and horse that motivates children to perform skill building tasks. Unlike therapeutic riding, therapists do not focus on teaching riding skills.
Hippotherapy differs from other types of equine-assisted therapies in that only registered occupational, physical and speech therapists incorporate it into treatment plans. They use the horse as a tool much like a therapy ball is used to develop strength and balance. Of course, as responsive, moving and exciting living beings- horses, can motivate and stimulate the client in unique ways. This is especially true with children who are on the autism spectrum.
The horse provides strong sensory stimulation to muscles and joints that impacts the balance and movement sense detected by sensory receptors in the inner ear, and provides varied tactile experiences as the rider hugs or pats the horse. Riding a horse helps develop "muscle memory" that helps children who have problems walking or moving correctly develop smoother, more coordinated movement patterns.
Although few studies have been done on hippotherapy, many parents report that the interaction between child, horse and hippotherapy instructor have been very successful in helping the rider develop confidence and better motor coordination, which in turn have led to better social skills and improved relationships between parent and child.