On completion of this blog I now am more aware of the wonderful benefits that riding therapy can provide for autistic children. Writing this blog has made me more passionate and excited for future practice as an Occupational Therapist.
This blog looked at the physical, social and psychological aspects of autism and how riding therapy could enhance these areas of their life.
I love the fact that riding therapy is a fun treatment option, as many autistic children have to endure tedious therapy sessions that they may find difficult and not enjoyable. Riding therapy is is a hidden therapeutic tool, as the child does not even realise that they are in a therapy session. Riding offers the autistic child success, which will increase their self esteem and confidence, this is something that I feel is very important for autistic children as success is something that they may find difficult to achieve. The skills that the child learns at riding therapy can help to increase the child's performance in other areas of their life, such as physical performance and social interactions with peers.
I think that riding therapy is a very appropriate setting for Occupational Therapists to work as it provides a very powerful equation for increasing the individuals functional ability.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I hope that you have found it interesting. Feel free to write any comments or ask any questions :).
(Retrieved 22 August, 2011 from http://www.3d-screensaver-jam.com/images/freehorses/big1.jpg)
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Psychological benefits of riding therapy
After I go horse riding I always feel so much better mentally, but why is this and does horse riding have the same effect on autistic children as it does with me? In this post I aim to explore the wonderful psychological benefits of horse riding.
Having fun is the most obvious psychological benefit of riding therapy. Riding therapy releases endorphins which not only produce feelings of emotional well being, they are also physically healing. This is wonderful for autistic children as they may not be able to participate in other activities which stimulate endorphin release (Scott, 2005).
Another benefit is the sense of control that one feels over their body. Having control over the horse creates feeling of power both internal and external (Scott, 2005). I think this is very exciting for autistic children as this is one area of their life that they can feel that they are in control of and making the decisions.
Scott, N. (2005). special needs,special horses. Denton:University of Texas Press.
Having fun is the most obvious psychological benefit of riding therapy. Riding therapy releases endorphins which not only produce feelings of emotional well being, they are also physically healing. This is wonderful for autistic children as they may not be able to participate in other activities which stimulate endorphin release (Scott, 2005).
Another benefit is the sense of control that one feels over their body. Having control over the horse creates feeling of power both internal and external (Scott, 2005). I think this is very exciting for autistic children as this is one area of their life that they can feel that they are in control of and making the decisions.
Scott, N. (2005). special needs,special horses. Denton:University of Texas Press.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Social benefits of riding therapy for autistic children
This post is going to explore social difficulties that autistic children may face and how riding therapy could be beneficial to them.
Social difficulties
The core symptom of autism is difficulty in social interaction. There is often limited eye contact, facial expression and social gestures. It is common that individual have difficulties making friends with same aged peers and often prefer to play alone. Many can also have language impairments and delays in learning to speak, with some not speaking at all (Atchison & Dirette, 2007).
How riding therapy may help autistic children's social interaction.
Riding improves communication skills: Riders learn basic commands to get their horse to go and stop. The horse willingly responds to their instructions and therefore provides the positive reinforcement that motivates them to continue to make their requests.
Riding improves social skills: The horse becomes a friend to interact with, care for and develop a partnership with. The horse will accept a rider with no prejudgment. Learning to control the horse encourages the rider to control themselves and become willing to follow the instructions, co-operate, take turns, share and abide by the rules.
Riding improve self-confidence: Riding is one of the few activities where people can achieve instant success, they get it right and the horse responds. This motivates them to try again and gradually their confidence grows(New Zealand riding for the disabled, 2009).
A 12 week study conducted in Florida found riding therapy to be beneficial for autistic children's social interactions. Children who participated in the riding treatment, were observed to have more social motivation in comparison to the controlled group (Bass, Duchowny, & Llabre, 2009).
I think that the social benefits of riding therapy for autistic children are very exciting. While on placement where I observed riding therapy with an autistic student I noticed improvements in his verbal communication. He began to talk to the horse and even interacted with the side walker staff and gave me a high five when he rode past. THIS WAS AMAZING, as he normally seemed to be in his own little world and not interested in those around him.
Atchison, B., & Dirette, D. (2007). conditions in occupational therapy. (3rd ed). Philadelphia:Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Bass, M., & Duchowny., & Llabre, M. (2009). the effect of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 39(9), 1261-1267.
New Zealand riding for the disabled, (2009). Riding for the disabled. Retrieved from http://www.rda.org.nz
Social difficulties
The core symptom of autism is difficulty in social interaction. There is often limited eye contact, facial expression and social gestures. It is common that individual have difficulties making friends with same aged peers and often prefer to play alone. Many can also have language impairments and delays in learning to speak, with some not speaking at all (Atchison & Dirette, 2007).
How riding therapy may help autistic children's social interaction.
Riding improves communication skills: Riders learn basic commands to get their horse to go and stop. The horse willingly responds to their instructions and therefore provides the positive reinforcement that motivates them to continue to make their requests.
Riding improves social skills: The horse becomes a friend to interact with, care for and develop a partnership with. The horse will accept a rider with no prejudgment. Learning to control the horse encourages the rider to control themselves and become willing to follow the instructions, co-operate, take turns, share and abide by the rules.
Riding improve self-confidence: Riding is one of the few activities where people can achieve instant success, they get it right and the horse responds. This motivates them to try again and gradually their confidence grows(New Zealand riding for the disabled, 2009).
A 12 week study conducted in Florida found riding therapy to be beneficial for autistic children's social interactions. Children who participated in the riding treatment, were observed to have more social motivation in comparison to the controlled group (Bass, Duchowny, & Llabre, 2009).
I think that the social benefits of riding therapy for autistic children are very exciting. While on placement where I observed riding therapy with an autistic student I noticed improvements in his verbal communication. He began to talk to the horse and even interacted with the side walker staff and gave me a high five when he rode past. THIS WAS AMAZING, as he normally seemed to be in his own little world and not interested in those around him.
Atchison, B., & Dirette, D. (2007). conditions in occupational therapy. (3rd ed). Philadelphia:Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Bass, M., & Duchowny., & Llabre, M. (2009). the effect of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 39(9), 1261-1267.
New Zealand riding for the disabled, (2009). Riding for the disabled. Retrieved from http://www.rda.org.nz
Physical benefits of riding therapy for autistic children
This post aims to explain physical difficulties some autistic children have and how riding therapy could help them.
Fine motor deficits
Autistic children frequently show developmental delays in developing fine motor skills. They often have difficulties with tasks such as fastening buttons.
Gross motor deficits.
Autistic children commonly have difficulty walking naturally. They can also have low tone which makes them appear to be floppy and clumsy.They may lack awareness of where their bodies are in relation to their surroundings (Reynolds, & Dombeck, 2006).
-How will riding therapy help enhance physical function?
Riding improves balance: The horse provides a comfortable base of support upon which a person who is unstable on his/her own legs can learn to balance. Changes in the horse's movement, direction or pace challenges the rider's balance.
Riding improves muscle strength: Many activities on or associated with the horse can be used to promote strength and endurance.
Riding improves co-ordination skills: Horse riding involves the co-ordination of every part of the body. On a horse, postural background and gross motor skills are emphasised in support of refining fine motor and other skills.
Riding is good exercise: Riding involves all of the muscles of the body and in addition stimulates all the body systems. It can also be a relaxing activity as it is an enjoyable activity that encourages active muscle work and deep breathing.
Riding normalises low muscle tone: The strong dynamic movement of the horse provides proprioceptive and vestibular input that effectively facilitates an increase in low muscle tone.
Riding improves posture: Horse riding gives symmetrical exercise to the body in response to the horse's movement. Muscles on either side of the spine are exercised equally promoting good postural alignment.
Riding can improve a persons walking ability: The movement of the horse causes the rider's pelvis, trunk and shoulder girdle to react in ways very similar to those produced by the human walk. The horse is also invaluable in providing the feeling of proper stride length (New Zealand riding for the disabled, 2009).
Reynolds., & Dombeck, M. (2006). physical deficits autism. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=8766.
New Zealand riding for the disabled, (2009). riding for the disabled. Retrieved from http://www.rda.org.nz.
Fine motor deficits
Autistic children frequently show developmental delays in developing fine motor skills. They often have difficulties with tasks such as fastening buttons.
Gross motor deficits.
Autistic children commonly have difficulty walking naturally. They can also have low tone which makes them appear to be floppy and clumsy.They may lack awareness of where their bodies are in relation to their surroundings (Reynolds, & Dombeck, 2006).
-How will riding therapy help enhance physical function?
Riding improves balance: The horse provides a comfortable base of support upon which a person who is unstable on his/her own legs can learn to balance. Changes in the horse's movement, direction or pace challenges the rider's balance.
Riding improves muscle strength: Many activities on or associated with the horse can be used to promote strength and endurance.
Riding improves co-ordination skills: Horse riding involves the co-ordination of every part of the body. On a horse, postural background and gross motor skills are emphasised in support of refining fine motor and other skills.
Riding is good exercise: Riding involves all of the muscles of the body and in addition stimulates all the body systems. It can also be a relaxing activity as it is an enjoyable activity that encourages active muscle work and deep breathing.
Riding normalises low muscle tone: The strong dynamic movement of the horse provides proprioceptive and vestibular input that effectively facilitates an increase in low muscle tone.
Riding improves posture: Horse riding gives symmetrical exercise to the body in response to the horse's movement. Muscles on either side of the spine are exercised equally promoting good postural alignment.
Riding can improve a persons walking ability: The movement of the horse causes the rider's pelvis, trunk and shoulder girdle to react in ways very similar to those produced by the human walk. The horse is also invaluable in providing the feeling of proper stride length (New Zealand riding for the disabled, 2009).
Reynolds., & Dombeck, M. (2006). physical deficits autism. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=8766.
New Zealand riding for the disabled, (2009). riding for the disabled. Retrieved from http://www.rda.org.nz.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
What is autism
In this post I will give a very brief overview of what autism is.
Autism is a life long developmental disorder (neurobiological) which affects communication, and social interaction. Each individual with autism is unique and has their own set of strengths and challenges. Autism cannot be cured and interventions target behavioural, language, cognitive, social and sensory concerns (Atchison & Dirette, 2007).
Atchison, B., & Dirette, D. (2007). conditions in occupational therapy. (3rd ed). Philadelphia:Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Autism is a life long developmental disorder (neurobiological) which affects communication, and social interaction. Each individual with autism is unique and has their own set of strengths and challenges. Autism cannot be cured and interventions target behavioural, language, cognitive, social and sensory concerns (Atchison & Dirette, 2007).
Atchison, B., & Dirette, D. (2007). conditions in occupational therapy. (3rd ed). Philadelphia:Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Monday, August 22, 2011
What is riding therapy and why is it relevant to Occupational therapists
I thought that it would be good to firstly look at what riding therapy is and what the role of an OT is within this field.
Riding therapy is when the horse is used as a therapy tool with a person who may have a physical, emotional, cognitive and social disability. The horse provides a fun, unique therapy session. The bond between rider and horse can be so powerful and the experience can often have a profound uplifting effect on people who are troubled or suffering (Equine Therapy, n.d)
The benefits that riding therapy can have on the rider are
- balance
- coordination
- posture and muscle tone
- concentration
- self discipline
- self-esteem
- perception
- spatial awareness
- communication
- social skill
- independence
- encourages decision making
(New Zealand riding for the disabled, 2009).
You may be thinking why would an OT work in this area, let me try and explain.
"Occupational therapy promotes and restores health and well being in people of all ages through using purposeful occupation, as the process or as the ultimate goal.
Occupation is the meaningful use of activities,occupations, skills and life roles which enables people to function purposefully in their daily life" (Bracher, 2000,p.277).
The terms "meaningful" and "purposeful" activity are very relevant to OTs using therapeutic riding because horse riding for many is viewed as very meaningful. Horse riding is a wonderful therapy tool to use because it not only is it meaningful to the person but also provides therapeutic value (Bracher, 2000).
What fun interventions does the OT implement in riding sessions?
The OT grades activities to suit each individual person and their needs. When children are motivated to ride and play games on their equine friends, therapy seems more like play than work (Smith, 2009).
-Reaching for hoops to place over cones
-Tossing balls into a basket
-Playing catch
-Touching mane, tail, child's feet and head
-blowing bubbles
-Pulling reins to stop the horse
-Changing the horse's speed
-Repetitive starting and stopping
-Walking up and down hills, around curves and in circles
-Varying positions (i.e. facing sideways or backwards on horse)
-Removing toys attached to a "Velcro Bottle" (with Velcro) to insert inside bottle
-Inserting Lotto cards through a slit in a coffee can lid.
-Pulling apart pop-it-beads to insert in towel pockets
-Pulling clothespins off mane to place in small basket
-Coloring inside horse stencils or outlines
-Circling pictures of horses on a page filled with animal pictures
-Brushing the horse
-Braiding the mane
-Playing Pin the Tail on the Horse (using tape)
(Smith, 2009).
Bracher, M. (2000). therapeutic horse riding:what has this to do with occupational therapy. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(6), 277-282.
Equine Therapy. (n.d.). equine therapy animal assisted therapy. Retrieved from
http://www.equine-therapy-programs.com/difference.html.
New Zealand riding for the disabled, (2009). riding for the disabled. Retrieved from http://www.rda.org.nz.
Smith, B. (2009). hand it to hippotherapy. Retrieved from http://occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com/Article/Hand-it-to-Hippotherapy-2.aspx.
Riding therapy is when the horse is used as a therapy tool with a person who may have a physical, emotional, cognitive and social disability. The horse provides a fun, unique therapy session. The bond between rider and horse can be so powerful and the experience can often have a profound uplifting effect on people who are troubled or suffering (Equine Therapy, n.d)
The benefits that riding therapy can have on the rider are
- balance
- coordination
- posture and muscle tone
- concentration
- self discipline
- self-esteem
- perception
- spatial awareness
- communication
- social skill
- independence
- encourages decision making
(New Zealand riding for the disabled, 2009).
You may be thinking why would an OT work in this area, let me try and explain.
"Occupational therapy promotes and restores health and well being in people of all ages through using purposeful occupation, as the process or as the ultimate goal.
Occupation is the meaningful use of activities,occupations, skills and life roles which enables people to function purposefully in their daily life" (Bracher, 2000,p.277).
The terms "meaningful" and "purposeful" activity are very relevant to OTs using therapeutic riding because horse riding for many is viewed as very meaningful. Horse riding is a wonderful therapy tool to use because it not only is it meaningful to the person but also provides therapeutic value (Bracher, 2000).
What fun interventions does the OT implement in riding sessions?
The OT grades activities to suit each individual person and their needs. When children are motivated to ride and play games on their equine friends, therapy seems more like play than work (Smith, 2009).
-Reaching for hoops to place over cones
-Tossing balls into a basket
-Playing catch
-Touching mane, tail, child's feet and head
-blowing bubbles
-Pulling reins to stop the horse
-Changing the horse's speed
-Repetitive starting and stopping
-Walking up and down hills, around curves and in circles
-Varying positions (i.e. facing sideways or backwards on horse)
-Removing toys attached to a "Velcro Bottle" (with Velcro) to insert inside bottle
-Inserting Lotto cards through a slit in a coffee can lid.
-Pulling apart pop-it-beads to insert in towel pockets
-Pulling clothespins off mane to place in small basket
-Coloring inside horse stencils or outlines
-Circling pictures of horses on a page filled with animal pictures
-Brushing the horse
-Braiding the mane
-Playing Pin the Tail on the Horse (using tape)
(Smith, 2009).
Bracher, M. (2000). therapeutic horse riding:what has this to do with occupational therapy. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 63(6), 277-282.
Equine Therapy. (n.d.). equine therapy animal assisted therapy. Retrieved from
http://www.equine-therapy-programs.com/difference.html.
New Zealand riding for the disabled, (2009). riding for the disabled. Retrieved from http://www.rda.org.nz.
Smith, B. (2009). hand it to hippotherapy. Retrieved from http://occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com/Article/Hand-it-to-Hippotherapy-2.aspx.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Welcome to my blog
Hello and welcome to my blog. Today is a very exciting day as it marks the beginning of my blog journey. This blog is about an area of passion in my life and reflects what I want to do with my occupational therapy career.
Since I could walk I have always been around horses. I can still remember getting my first pony Star at 4, and the constant nagging that my poor parents had to endure everyday to take me riding. As I got older I began to compete in one day eventing and riding became a huge part of my life.
I took a break from riding in my final year of high school and it is only now (4 years later) that my passion and love for horses is returning.
I was honoured to be allocated my fieldwork 5 placement at a special school in Auckland with children with intellectual disabilities, with most of the children having autism. I loved every part of this placement and felt very privileged to get to know and work with these beautiful children. While on this placement I assisted some of the children to Ambury riding park facility. This was a day that I will never forget. Seeing the children happy and relaxed when on the horses was priceless. It was at that moment that I knew what I wanted to do with my occupational therapy career.
This blog is going to focus on the physical, psychological, and social benefits that riding therapy provides for autistic children.
I hope you enjoy this blog, and please do not hesitate to ask any questions.
Since I could walk I have always been around horses. I can still remember getting my first pony Star at 4, and the constant nagging that my poor parents had to endure everyday to take me riding. As I got older I began to compete in one day eventing and riding became a huge part of my life.
I took a break from riding in my final year of high school and it is only now (4 years later) that my passion and love for horses is returning.
I was honoured to be allocated my fieldwork 5 placement at a special school in Auckland with children with intellectual disabilities, with most of the children having autism. I loved every part of this placement and felt very privileged to get to know and work with these beautiful children. While on this placement I assisted some of the children to Ambury riding park facility. This was a day that I will never forget. Seeing the children happy and relaxed when on the horses was priceless. It was at that moment that I knew what I wanted to do with my occupational therapy career.
This blog is going to focus on the physical, psychological, and social benefits that riding therapy provides for autistic children.
I hope you enjoy this blog, and please do not hesitate to ask any questions.
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