Pediatric Hippotherapy for Delayed Speech or Language
in Pea Ridge, AR
If your child seems to be falling behind their peers when it comes to their speech and language milestones, it could be a sign of a developmental delay. At Unbridled Pediatric Therapies, we combine traditional speech therapy with therapeutic horse-riding (hippotherapy) to help kids reach their speech and language milestones for fluent and confident communication.
What Is Delayed Speech or Language?
Delayed speech or language refers to when a child’s speech or language skills develop at a slower pace than what is typical for their age. Children with delayed speech or language might not meet expected milestones for speaking, understanding, or using language compared to their peers. This can affect their ability to communicate effectively with others.
A speech delay involves difficulties with the production of speech sounds. A child might have trouble pronouncing words, using proper articulation, or forming clear, understandable speech.
A language delay refers to difficulties with understanding and using language. It can affect both expressive language (how a child expresses themselves) and receptive language (how a child understands language).
How Pediatric Speech Therapy Combined with Hippotherapy Can Treat Delayed Speech or Language
Pediatric speech therapy is already a fantastic treatment for speech and language delays. But when you combine it with hippotherapy, the outcomes are much greater than what a speech therapist can achieve with clinic-based treatment alone.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider equine-assisted speech therapy for your child:
1. It improves breath control
The horse’s movement mimics the natural motion of walking, which helps improve trunk control, balance, and stability. These physical improvements can improve breath control, which is crucial for speech production. This can help children improve articulation and fluency in their speech.
2. It builds functional language skills
During hippotherapy sessions, therapists can integrate language-building activities, such as following verbal instructions to direct the horse, learning new phrases related to horses, and practicing social communication.
3. It encourages communication
The interactive nature of hippotherapy encourages children to communicate with the therapist, the horse, and others around them. This could include making verbal requests for the horse to move, using simple commands or words, and engaging in turn-taking and social communication.
4. It’s fun!
Hippotherapy can be a highly motivating and fun activity for children that makes it easier for them to engage in therapy. Working with a horse provides positive reinforcement, which helps children feel open to participating in language-rich activities (like following directions, making requests, and having conversations) during the session.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation Today
Want to find out how pediatric hippotherapy can support your child’s speech and language 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 speech therapy.
Give us a call at (479) 250-9838 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation today!
