Pediatric Home Health Care in Monroeville PA
Professional caregivers who work with children at home, who have some form of autism spectrum disorder, offer an idea that helps those children. Many benefit from a day outing to ride on gentle horses. The rhythmic movements of a horse, experienced while riding, have the medical terminology of “hippotherapy.”
A study by the Horses and Humans Research Foundation, found that horse riding and being around horses is usually interesting and comforting to children with autism. Many autistic children live in a world of sensation and do not have the ability to express themselves easily. This does not mean that they lack feelings. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Autistic children have a heightened awareness of feelings.
Why Horse Riding Therapy Works
Like humans, animals also live in a world of sensation. They may communicate verbally by making sounds on occasion, but most of the interaction with the outside environment is mediated through the sense of feelings. This common bond creates a nice experience for autistic children with gentle animals.
The Cori Sikich Therapeutic Riding Center says that horses selected for therapy programs undergo special training and are chosen for their extreme patience and gentleness. Improved focus and concentration results from riding practice, which is at first assisted by therapists, with the goal of allowing the child to master the techniques of horseback riding on their own.
Autistic Children Love Horses
When children achieve the ability to ride a horse, they gain a sense of improved self-esteem, feel more in control and also improve their own physical strength and balance. Horseback riding is fun and provides a low-stress environment for socialization.
Additionally, the entire family can participate on trail rides that end with an enjoyable picnic under the shade of a tree. This creates a sense of belonging amongst the family members, without putting any additional pressure on the autistic child.
The horses used for successful therapy programs are trained to walk gently and slowly. They will follow the trail automatically, regardless of what the child does. The child can drop the reins, or even act out and the horse will patiently plod along. The horse’s demeanor calms most of the children, so problems and disturbances rarely arise. Should any uncomfortable situation develop, it is easy to stop the therapy, because there is constant supervision of the children by trained therapists. In typical programs, a certified riding instructor/therapist is supported by three assistants per child, in order to provide the ultimate in child safety.
If you or an aging loved one are considering pediatric home health care in Monroeville, PA, please call and talk to the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Pittsburgh at (412)693-6009. We will answer all of your questions.
Summary
Most autistic children eventually become very comfortable around the horses. After a nice ride, they have a sense of accomplishment, which improves their confidence. Many ask their parents to come back again because they enjoy the riding experience.
Horseback riding improves physical strength, balance, confidence and self-esteem. Mental attitude and concentration also improves when the children participate in grooming and horse care. Being around a big, kind, gentle animal has an amazing impact.
Source
Changes in Dynamic Trunk/Head Stability and Funcitona Reach after Hippotherapy
http://www.horsesandhumans.org/HHRFinalReport_Abstract.pdf
Research Validates that Horses Positively Impact Children with Autism
http://www.horsesandhumans.org/Research_Validates_that_Horses_Positively_Impact_Children_with_Autism.pdf
Hometown: Dream Catchers and WM Study on Therapeutic Riding Published
http://wydaily.com/2013/02/17/hometown-dream-catchers-and-wm-study-on-therapeutic-riding-published/
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