Hippo Therapy

Abstract:

One of the most effective interventions in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder. Part of this method, which is known as occupational therapy with horses, emphasizes the balance and motor skills of these people and by increasing the relationship between a person with autism and a horse, it increases ...

Humans and animals have a natural tendency to communicate with each other.

since the first humans, animals, especially horses, have been useful to humans in a variety of roles, such as vehicles. Another benefit of animals is their use in therapy. Animal therapy is associated with chemical neurological changes. Decreased spastic contractions in children with cerebral palsy and in adults with spinal cord injury have also been observed with the use of horses.

Horse therapy is one of the methods of pet therapy that is used for people with various disabilities such as social, cognitive and motor disabilities. Another study found that animal therapy was effective in reducing the behavioral symptoms associated with autism, increasing socialization and communication, and improving quality of life.

Despite the disruption of the social interaction of people with autism with other humans, many reported close and intimate relationships with the animals that accompanied them in their lives.
In addition, researchers such as Naymer and Landhahel have conducted meta-analytical research on the effectiveness of animal therapy. The researchers found that animal therapy had the highest effect on autism spectrum disorders. They also found that the most effective treatment for physical problems was horse therapy. Therefore, horse therapy can be used to improve the social skills of children with autism.

Horse therapy improves balance and movement while forming a therapeutic relationship between the patient and the horse. hippo therapy is a term used in texts for horse therapy. The American hippo therapy Association cites the use of horse movements as a therapeutic strategy by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to address disorders, functional limitations, and disabilities in musculoskeletal neuropathy patients.

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists use it to improve balance (correct foot standing and a healthy skeletal appearance), coordination, and fine motor skills in the children who work with them. This treatment may affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and communication functions that occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physiotherapists may use for people with autism. The ultimate goal of therapists is to use hippotherapy to improve motor skills, processing and interaction skills, and ultimately improve work performance.

In hippotherapy, therapists first focus on rehabilitating the child to improve the skills that will help them perform their daily tasks. Since one of the symptoms of autism is sensory processing disorder and hypnotherapy also creates a multisensory approach, this treatment can be useful for these children. Horseradish therapy for children with autism is effective in gaining a sense of self and body, increasing communication and interaction with the world around them, and boosting the child's self-confidence.

It should be noted that hypnotherapy is not only a treatment program for people with autism, but also has many benefits for children, adolescents and adults who suffer from other mental or developmental disabilities, including: muscle relaxation, muscle building power, recovery. Good motor coordination, eye and hand coordination, improving posture and flexibility, improving communication, gaining self-control, gaining self-confidence, improving concentration, improving social relationships.

Research has shown that animal interaction with humans can reduce anxiety and aggression, as well as increase social interaction and the ability to manage daily life in people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and schizophrenia. A study in Japan on "Psychotherapy with a Psycho-Educational Approach" with six children with developmental impairment claims that children improved in terms of imitation, emotional expression, and eye contact.

Hypnotherapy is a form of physical therapy that can also be used by occupational therapists and speech therapists. In this type of treatment, a therapist uses specific movements of a horse to provide methods for treating some of the sensory inputs of children with autism spectrum disorders. In order to improve the neural function and sensory processing of children with autism spectrum disorders, unlike horse therapy (where specific riding skills are taught), horse movement is used as a treatment target and as a treatment strategy.

Horse therapy is classified as a complementary treatment in the autism spectrum intervention group.
Sensory motor problems in children with autism are the cause of many cognitive and social disabilities in this group of children. By examining occupational therapy individually and developing a unique program for each child, the effects of improving the child's social cognitive status can be seen in the long run.

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