For millennia, people have utilized horses as a kind of therapy to treat a wide range of physical and mental health issues. Autism, a developmental disorder that affects around 1 in 54 children in the United States, is one such ailment. Equine therapy, commonly referred to as horse therapy, is a sort of treatment that makes use of horses to assist people with autism in enhancing their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This article will discuss the benefits of horses for autism, the distinctions between hippotherapy and equine therapy, the benefits of therapeutic riding over hippotherapy, and the benefits of equine therapy for cerebral palsy. How Do Horses Help People with Autism?
One reason horses are good for persons with autism is that they have a calming influence on people. The horse’s rhythmic movement can aid in anxiety reduction and relaxation in autistic people. Horses are also non-judgmental and lack verbal communication, which makes it simpler for people with autism to relate to them. Social skills, communication, sensory integration, and emotional control can all be aided by equine therapy. What Sets Hippocratic Therapy Apart from Equine Therapy?
Although they are sometimes used interchangeably, hippotherapy and equine therapy are not the same thing. A form of therapy called hippotherapy makes use of the horse’s movement to advance the objectives of physical and occupational therapy. The session is often conducted in a regulated setting under the direction of a qualified therapist. Hippotherapy is a subset of equine therapy, which is a more general term. Equine therapy can involve both mounted and unmounted exercises aimed at enhancing one’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. What Sets Therapeutic Riding Apart from Hippodrome Therapy?
Hippotherapy and therapeutic riding are two terms that are frequently mixed up, but they are not the same. While hippotherapy is a form of therapy that makes use of the movement of the horse to accomplish therapeutic aims, therapeutic riding focuses on providing equestrian riding instruction for persons with impairments. While hippotherapy can aid with speech, emotional control, and sensory integration, therapeutic riding can support physical and occupational goals.
People with cerebral palsy can enhance their physical capabilities with equine therapy. Balance, coordination, and muscle tone can all be enhanced by the movement of the horse. Equine therapy can also aid in communication, sensory integration, and emotional control. Does the NDIS Pay for Equine Therapy?
Equine treatment may be covered by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for qualified participants. It is crucial to remember that the NDIS will only pay for horse therapy if it is determined to be appropriate and required for the patient’s needs. The service provider must also be an NDIS provider with accreditation.
In conclusion, studies have shown that people with cerebral palsy, autism, and other physical and mental health issues can benefit from spending time among horses. All ages can benefit from equine therapy, which can help with physical, emotional, and mental wellness. It is important to understand that while horse therapy can be used as a supplemental therapy to assist people improve their quality of life, it is not a treatment for autism or any other ailment. Before beginning equine therapy, it’s crucial to speak with a qualified therapist or healthcare professional.
Working with autistic people requires unique training for therapy horses. Desensitizing the horse to rapid movements, loud noises, and other stimuli that in certain people with autism may cause anxiety or dread is a step in the training process. Additionally, therapy horses are taught to maintain their composure and patience as well as to adhere to their handlers’ specific instructions. For therapy horses to be properly trained and able to work with people with autism, equine therapy programs often work with skilled trainers and handlers.