THE HIPPOTHEIRAPY EFFECTS ON CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH DISORDERS FROM AUTISTIC SPECTRUM

For children diagnosed with autism, an outdoor therapeutic scenery, in nature, represents an environment full of auditory, olfactory, tactile stimuli, and because it takes place on horseback, we can also introduce the kinesthetic; the child interaction with all these elements helps to desensitize it, and may favor an easier integration into everyday life, which is not deprived of any of the above-described stimuli, but on the contrary, they are everywhere. Working with the horse not only produces physical benefits but also has many psychosocial influences. The simple fact that the therapy takes place on a farm in a natural environment and outside the typical therapeutic centers provokes additional stimulation. The greatest attribute of the horse during therapy is that it produces motivation and a tolerant environment. Assisted activities and therapies are not seen by the client as therapy, but also as time spent with the horse. Research hypotheses 1. It is assumed that hippotherapy, adopted as complemental therapy, helps to develop empathy. (in children diagnosed with TSA empathy is much deficient, nonexistent). 2. It is assumed that engaging the child in various tasks closely related to the horse leads to an increase in the level of independence. Conclusions The research results have shown that hippotherapy can have beneficial effects on children diagnosed with TSA. Hippotherapy should not be considered as a single therapy, but its integration into the therapy programs of children diagnosed with TSA leads to great benefits for them. (C) 2019 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org .UK