Hippotherapy & It’s Useful for Autism?

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”.

Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy

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

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