Alternative forms of therapies have gained prominence in supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among these, horse therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, has emerged as a powerful way of harnessing the unique connection between humans and horses, this therapy offers a myriad of benefits for individuals on the autism spectrum, as opposed to other forms of physical therapy.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex condition characterised by atypical brain development, which profoundly affects various aspects of an individual’s life. Individuals with ASD often struggle to understand social cues and engage in reciprocal communication which can lead to difficulties in navigating social situations and increases the level of difficulty involved in forming relationships with others. Communication impairments may range from delayed language development to atypical speech patterns, hindering effective interaction with others.
Repetitive behaviours, adherence to routines, and intense focus on specific interests are also common behavioural patterns observed in ASD. Individuals may experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory stimuli, impacting their daily functioning and behavioural patterns. Despite the diverse presentation of ASD, ranging from mild to severe, understanding its multifaceted nature is essential for providing tailored support and interventions to enhance individuals’ quality of life. Through early diagnosis, comprehensive evaluation and targeted interventions; individuals with ASD can receive the support that is necessary for assisting with the development of skills and overcoming the challenges faced on a daily basis.
The Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy Sessions
Many studies have been conducted over the years, that have fed into the understanding of how equine-related therapies can be beneficial to young adults and children with autism and aid with the alleviation of some of their personal challenges. Some of those findings include:
1) Emotional Regulation
Individuals with autism often struggle with emotional regulation, experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and frustration. Equine therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore and regulate their emotions.
Interacting with horses encourages a sense of calmness and relaxation, as the rhythmic motion of riding can have a soothing effect on the nervous system. Through activities such as grooming, leading, and riding, individuals learn to recognise and manage their emotions effectively, promoting emotional resilience and well-being.
2) Sensory Stimulation
For individuals experiencing sensory processing difficulties, in terms of either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to various stimuli, equine therapy offers a rich sensory experience that can be tailored to accommodate individual sensory needs.
The tactile sensation of grooming a horse’s mane, the rhythmic movement of riding, and the ambient sounds of the barn create a multisensory environment for exploration and desensitisation. Over time, exposure to these sensory stimuli helps individuals to regulate their sensory responses, increasing tolerance and reducing sensory overload.
3) Social Skills Development
Building and maintaining meaningful relationships can be challenging for individuals with autism due to difficulties in social communication and interaction. Equine-assisted therapy provides a natural setting for practising and developing social skills in a non-judgmental environment.
Interacting with horses requires communication, empathy, and cooperation whilst fostering essential social competencies. Many individuals on the autism spectrum find horse therapy useful for developing their social skills as the animals respond to non-verbal communication, creating a safe space for children and young adults to practice empathy and communication skills in a way that suits them.
Bonds are formed during animal-assisted therapy sessions between the horses and the children/ young adults, giving the individuals an increased sense of self-confidence and providing them with skills that are transferable to human interactions with their peers and caregivers. This allows them to navigate social situations and form genuine connections with other people.
4) Motor Skills Enhancement
Horse therapy offers a range of physical activities that promote the development of motor skills in individuals with ASD. From grooming and tacking to riding and leading, these activities engage both gross and fine motor skills that include making improvements to their coordination, balance, and strength.
The rhythmic motion of riding helps individuals develop core stability and postural control and as individuals gain confidence in their physical abilities, they experience a sense of accomplishment which boosts their self-esteem and confidence levels in ways that other forms of therapy sessions are unable to achieve.
5) Cognitive Engagement
Equine therapy requires individuals to use cognitive processes such as problem-solving, decision-making and spatial awareness. Observing and interpreting the horse’s behaviour, understanding the horse’s wants and needs as well as noticing how it acts because of this and adapting to the situation can all be beneficial practices for children with autism.
These cognitive challenges promote executive functioning skills essential for daily living whilst also being able to foster skills such as responsibility and organisation which comes as a natural part of caring for animals.
6) Emotional Bonding
There is growing evidence that the bond between children diagnosed with autism and horses is profound and characterised by trust and empathy as well as mutual understanding.
For young adults and children with autism, forming meaningful relationships can be challenging due to social communication difficulties; horses offer a unique opportunity for emotional bonding devoid of social expectations or judgment.
Individuals develop a sense of connection and attachment through consistent interactions with their equine companions, fostering emotional well-being and self-esteem.
7) Therapeutic Outcomes
Participation in equine-assisted therapy can lead to a wide range of therapeutic outcomes for individuals with autism and research has demonstrated improvements in social communication skills, behaviour management and general, overall quality of life following horse therapy interventions. The sense of accomplishment and independence gained through working with horses directly translates into increased confidence and resilience in facing everyday challenges.
Furthermore, the holistic nature of horse therapy promotes overall well-being, contributing to a positive impact across physical, emotional, social and cognitive domains. By harnessing the bond between horse and child, equine-assisted therapy has the power to provide multiple opportunities for growth, empowerment and healing.
How can we help?
At Somerset Equus, we believe in viewing neurodivergent and ASD traits as a superpower and are fighting to destigmatise the negative connotations surrounding these disorders. This is why we have a dedicated team available to provide equine-facilitated learning sessions to encourage developmental growth in children and young adults, dealing with a variety of difficulties including autism spectrum disorder.
Get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help you specifically.