HorseDaughter

This topic may have been covered already and if so, I apologize - since I'm new to this forum - but have any of you worked specifically with autistic children using horseback riding as a therapeutic technique? or do you know of such a place that offers that service? I know there is one around here, and as a former speech therapist with experience working with autistic kids, I think it's a wonderful alternative type of therapy for these very special kids.

MizzRibbon

I'm not sure if we have horse therapy for autistic children, but I know we do have it for behaviorly disabled children. At one of our state parks they have a horse trail you can pay to take rides on. They contract with our school system and have certain times each month that they also do horse therapy for children who suffer from ADHD and those who seem to have trouble in school and home because of their uncontrollable tempers. My neighbor has a daughter that attended this a few times and she seemed to really enjoy it. She said it was very calming and relaxing.

apples-n-oats

In the US there are many therapeutic riding programs, many covered partially or fully by insurance depending on the child's disorder and the prognosis of riding to help compared to traditional PT. The last one I volunteered at worked with people who had ADD/ADHD, autism, epilepsy and everything in between. They ranged from children who had to ride backwards laying down with extra handlers to adults who could handle their horse by themselves mostly. The changes in the riders over a couple months are just amazing.

alexis

I have heard of this from a friend, her son and my son are best friends (first BF's for each other too) and her son is mild case right now. They are looking for one, but have just moved to another state so if anyone has a national database to check these types of places out.

indianpony

http://www.narha.org/

This has a list that should be pretty all inclusive. His therapist should be able to direct him to a center as well. If she talks to other local parents with autistic kids someone may know a place close.

Derbygirl

This sounds like a great idea. I'm sure it would be a very relaxing enjoyable experience for an autistic child to get to spend time with horses. My cousin has a young son who has been diagnosed as mildly autistic and I think I will mention this to him to see if he might like to check into it.