HEALING AUTISM WITH HORSES

Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the development of the brain, particularly in the areas of communication and social interaction. Symptoms can develop from 18-24 months for “classic autism.” When a child’s development is normal for the first 2-4 years of their life, and then develops symptoms, it’s referred to as Childhood Developmental Disorder. Asperger’s Syndrome is a milder form of autism involving significantly less developmental challenges. People with Asperger’s generally have good communication skills and repetitious behaviors may be much subtler.

Symptoms include:

• difficulty with communication, both verbal and non-verbal
• difficulty with attention span and concentration
• repetitious behavior, such as obsessively rocking, flapping hands, repeating words, or arranging objects
• difficulty with social skills and group activities
• difficulty making and maintaining eye contact
• difficulty with basic skills such as dressing, eating, brushing teeth, and bathing

While the cause of Autism is still unknown, it is generally thought to happen due to abnormalities in the brain’s structure or shape. People with autism have a wide range of symptoms, so the condition is referred to as a “spectrum’ disorder, involving a group of disorders with a range of similar symptoms.  

Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding

Hippotherapy, which derives from the Greek word “hippo” for horse, is a physical therapy that is provided under a physician’s supervision. It is usually used as part of a comprehensive therapeutic package. This type of program has benefits for children, youth, and adults that have physical and/or developmental disabilities. Therapeutic Riding has many of the same benefits, but it is more of a recreational riding program for the disabled and does not usually involve a physician’s supervision.

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If you are buying your first horse a pre-purchase exam you may decide to have a veterinarian do a pre-purchase exam. A veterinarian will examine the horse thoroughly and tell you of any potential problems. They should be able to tell you whether a slight chronic condition will make the horse unusable and assess present health.

If the horse has a slight unsoundness they will be able to tell you what it will take to maintain the horse properly. From the vets findings you can decide whether or not the horse will be able to do the work you plan for it.

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