Pediatric Hippotherapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder
in Pea Ridge, AR
Children with autism spectrum disorder can face challenges with learning, making friends, communicating, and feeling comfortable in their environment. At Unbridled Pediatric Therapies, we combine traditional occupational therapy with therapeutic horse-riding (hippotherapy) to help kids with autism master the skills they need to handle daily activities.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person experiences and interacts with the world, including other people. It is called a “spectrum” because it includes a wide range of challenges and abilities, and no two individuals with autism are exactly alike.
Common Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Some of the most common symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children include:
- Difficulty understanding social cues, such as facial expressions or tone of voice
- Engaging in repetitive movements or speech
- Intense focus on specific interests
- Resistance to changes in routine or environment
- Sensitivity to sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, textures, or smells
- Seeking sensory stimulation, like spinning or touching objects
- Difficulty with eye contact
- Delayed speech or language development
How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Combined with Hippotherapy Can Treat Autism Spectrum Disorder
Pediatric occupational therapy on its own is very effective at helping children with autism build key developmental skills so they can handle daily activities. But when you combine it with hippotherapy, the benefits go far beyond what an occupational therapist can achieve with clinic-based treatment alone.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider equine-assisted occupational therapy for your child:
1. It builds sensory processing skills
Hippotherapy provides vestibular (balance and motion), proprioceptive (body awareness), tactile (touch), and visual inputs through the horse’s movement. For children who are over- or under-sensitive to sensory stimuli, the rhythmic and predictable motion of the horse can calm overactive responses or stimulate underactive systems, all of which leads to improved sensory regulation.
2. It supports social and emotional development
Interacting with the horse builds a sense of connection, responsibility, and empathy. This helps children with autism practice social-emotional skills in a safe environment. And doing activities such as guiding or caring for the horse with their occupational therapist provide opportunities for social interaction and communication.
3. It supports key areas of the brain
The horse’s walking gait mimics the natural movement of the human pelvis during walking, and in a standard 20-minute session, a horse takes about 3,000 steps. This provides a high level of repetitive movement that helps create new neural pathways in the brain that improve motor planning, sensory processing, and behavioral responses.
4. It’s fun!
Hippotherapy combines movement, sensory input, communication, and emotional engagement in a way that traditional therapy settings cannot replicate. For children with autism, this treatment method helps address multiple areas at once and promotes progress in a highly motivating and fun environment.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation Today
Want to find out how pediatric hippotherapy can support your child’s development? Take advantage of our free 15-minute phone consultation! During this consultation, you’ll speak with a member of the Unbridled Pediatric Therapy team who can answer your questions and explain how your child can benefit from equine-assisted occupational therapy.
Give us a call at (479) 250-9838 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation today!
