In this blog I wanted to look closer at how Equine Assisted Wellbeing assists people diagnosed with Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behaviour and social interaction. People with autism may face challenges in expressing themselves and engaging with others. Equine Assisted Wellbeing offers a unique and effective approach to supporting individuals with autism through therapeutic interactions with horses.
As horses respond to non-verbal cues, this encourages individuals with autism to express themselves through body language and gestures. Verbal communication is also promoted as individuals learn to give verbal commands and instructions to assisted movement with the non-verbal cues they are giving the horse.
Horses are social animals and can provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals to practice social interactions. This in turn promotes individuals to develop empathy, trust and respect for others. Working with horses also requires problem solving, planning, and decision making, which can strengthen cognitive abilities.
Increased emotional regulation is experienced for the individual whilst being around the horse as horses have a calming effect on individuals with autism, helping them manage anxiety and stress. Horses will often sense a rapid heart rate on the individual, you may see them bring their face close to the person's face and breath, as if to say "I'm not breathing fast like you, why don't you breath with me". A horse can hear a rapid heart beat from up to a metre away. Grooming and leading the horse helps strengthen fine and gross motor skills whilst improving balance and coordination in individuals with autism.
The experiences for the individuals attending Equine Assisted Wellbeing helps them to achieve goals and provide a sense of accomplishment that boosts self esteem and self worth. This is a truly unique and effective approach to supporting individuals with Autism.
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