Effects Of Horses On Autism

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) started before the 1960 's. Equine-assisted therapy is most known for the chance to help physically disabled people recover movement in their limbs. Another big role equine-assisted therapy contributes to therapy is throughout helping kids with autism or any other psychological condition. Specifically, people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit the most from it. Throughout equine-assisted therapy, autistic children can begin to trust, communicate, connect, and bond with

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an intricate brain disorder that can cause difficulties in social skills, communications, and abnormal behavior. Looking at children with ASD, researchers began investigating how to lessen the affects that ASD had on children using animals. More specifically, it was discovered that dogs could be helpful to children. “Man’s best friend” may be valuable in a way doctors and trained therapeutic professionals are not. How does interacting with a dog affect children with autism spectrum disorder?

I began horseback riding at age four, and my equestrian pursuits have not only shaped who I am as an individual, but have kept me grounded. Working as a groom to afford riding lessons instilled a work ethic within me that has contributed tremendously to my academic successes. Rescuing a horse at a young age, and caring for him no matter the circumstance, has given me a strong sense of commitment that translates to all avenues of my life. Besides shaping my character, being entirely responsible for my horse throughout college urged me to find a productive balance in my life. Learning to make time for hobbies and other activities outside of academics has greatly improved my overall well-being, and is a lesson that will be invaluable as I pursue

Furthermore, research is demonstrating the promise that equine therapy holds for children with intellectual disabilities. When compared to traditional intervention methods, equine therapy is a bit more cost-effective, meaning more families can afford equine therapy. With this in mind, it shows promise of becoming a standard form of early intervention for individuals with disabilities (Holmes et. al. 120). As the child ages, research is showing more and more support for equine therapy. It was mentioned previously how equine therapy can help a child in the classroom. Research shows that equine therapy can help a child in nearly every aspect of his or her life. Equine therapy proved in one study that it helps children with intellectual disabilities with their balance, thanks to the stimulating movements of the horse (Biery et. al. 1). Motor skills have improved after just a few sessions in equine therapy, whether it be riding or hippotherapy (Snider et. al. 1). In addition, researchers have found that social skills have improved with equine therapy (Bass, Dunchowny & llabre 1266). The reason for the improvement in social skills is because in therapeutic riding lessons, children are given the chance to interact with other individuals who are similar to them. This creates a bond between the students. Individuals in hippotherapy gain social skills because of the interactions they have with a therapist, and the bonds formed with the horse. All of these researchers have

Ben (name changed for confidentiality), a young boy with Down Syndrome and anxiety lessened much of his anxiety working with the horses, that I had the pleasure of working under the supervision of an occupational therapist. When Ben first started working with the program he was afraid to get near the horse and did not even want to come close enough to get on let alone pet the horse. We worked with him on deep breathing techniques, muscle control and some speech therapy. By the end of the eight-week session we worked with Ben, he was able to not only get near the horse, but by the last day, he was giving the horse a kiss on the nose. His mother said that the deep breathing techniques that we equipped him with not only helped him in therapy, but in his everyday life when he was feeling anxious.

Equine-assisted therapy. The use of equine-assisted therapy has been proposed as a method for facilitating positive sensory experiences for children with autism. A doctoral dissertation by Stickney (2010) finds that “the consistent, rhythmic movement of the horse as well as its warmth, appearance, smell, and furry coat sends an array of sensory signals to the central nervous system, affecting motor, visual, proprioceptive, tactile, and vestibular systems that are necessary for development of motor control” (p. 33). Preliminary research studies indicate that the experience of riding a horse can improve motor function, posture, balance, and reaction time. This can encourage positive sensory experiences, which causes the brain to release chemicals

Equine therapy helps the special needs population by letting them ride horses as part of their therapy. 20% of the special needs population is affected by disabilities, which is equal to 1.1 million people in Houston (Panther Creek Inspiration Creek). Equine therapy helped Sophia with her emotions and helped her calm down in care rides (Jennifer Sanchez). The population with cognitive, psycho-motor and behavioral disabilities have improved with equine therapy (“What is Equestrian therapy?”). The horses provide a movement that helps the special with their spines and the nerves. The equine therapy also helps by providing a communication abilities, better balance, and motor skills (Texas Agriculture). This lesson is usually only 30-45 minutes long, but it helps with the rider’s goals. The students and horses are matched by personality, ability, and

Equine-assisted interventions. A study by Jenkins and Reed (2013) examined the ways that participating in equine-assisted interventions impacted children with autism’s social behavior in multiple contexts. They observed children (N=7) who were participating in a therapeutic horseback riding program both at the center and at home to find if this intervention altered the children’s social behaviors. The results did not indicate that these interventions produced significant changes in children’s affect, off-task behavior, problem behavior, compliance, or language in program or home observations. However, numerous parents verbally reported that there were changes in their child’s language abilities at home and school. This indicates that parental

Horses have changed me for the better; whenever I need to get rid of stress or

I decided to research this topic as I have always been interested in animals and want to pursue a career working with animals. After watching a captivating news clip on assistance dogs it was clear this was going to be the topic I would investigate for my research project.

Therapeutic horse riding is a program that benefits children and adults who have challenges wither is physical or emotional. Some of the program's most common challenges are a variety of special needs relating to cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and autism to stroke recovery and learning disabilities. The program helps increased balance and muscle control, improves concentration and short-term memory, and enhances their confidence and self-esteem. Research into animal-assisted therapy is fairly new; however, even among professionals who believe more research is in order, there is a general consensus that therapy animals can be a highly beneficial addition to treatment programs for children with autism or Asperger's.

Ever since I can remember, I have always loved horses. At one point in my life I thought that I would have a career that involved animals, well one animal in particular, horses. I would probably be a horse trainer. So when I got older I was more than happy to find out that I could spend time with them by volunteering. The first time that I volunteered, I was fourteen years old, and I had found a great program that dealt with disabled children called HorseSense. I have always liked to help people, and not to mention, I would be able to be around one of my favorite animals in the world, horses. This was my very first time with any real responsibility, where I would be held accountable for my actions.

We are slowly learning more ways to help children with disabilities or even trust issues. The average techniques taught to teachers and used to teach students does not help every student. The school body is made up of hundreds of pupils, and not one is the same. Equine therapy is now used for speech purposes, learning sessions, and to work with untrusting foster children. The bond and movement of the horses creates significant improvement in their riders area of need.

Autism to many may feel like a great curse, but for me its one of my biggest blessings. I was only 7 when I was diagnosed but I do remember that this diagnosis has done so much for me. As soon as I was diagnosed I knew I wanted to use my story to spread awareness to people who may not understand, and even further I wanted to help those with not just Autism, but any type of special needs even if I was just seven at the time.

Since I was a kid, I love horses. Every time I could get the chance to groom the horses or feed or ride, I would take it. Over the years, I’ve learned not how scary or threatening they may seem, but how noble and therapeutic they really are.