Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational or speech & language therapy treatment strategy that utilize equine movement. Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the Horse”.
Children with ASD typically exhibit deficits in language, sensory processing & social development. Hippotherapy is an effective tool for treating autism because it provides strong sensory stimulation to the rider’s joints & muscles. Visual stimulation occurs with watching the rider.
Hearing the sound of horse hoofs & smelling the barn aromas impact other senses. Communication & auditory processing goals are addressed during a hippotherapy session. It helps to develop
- Memory
- Concentration
- Attention to task
- Balance
- Body awareness
- Improves socialization
- Relaxing tight muscles
- Building muscle strength
- Improving fine motor coordination
- Improving communication (improving one’s ability to breathe make it easier for a person to speak)
- Gaining self-control
