News summaries for autism therapy: hippotherapy

definition of hippotherapy: Therapy that involves individuals interacting with and riding on horses. Hippotherapy is done with a licensed physical or occupational therapist and has specific physical goals for each session and is physical or occupational therapy using the horse as the therapy tool. Hippotherapy may be beneficial to people with a variety of special needs, including children with autism.
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We Can Ride Provides Recreation and Therapy on Horseback, Summarized Sep 30, 2008

We Can Ride, in Minnesota, has provided therapeutic horseback riding for children with autism and other disabilities since 1982. Hippotherapy or equine therapy helps with balance, muscle strength, coordination, and confidence. At We Can Ride, anyone can ride - if a child has limited mobility, a hydrological lift provides a boost up. The motto of the organization is, "Nothing is so good for the inside of a person than the outside of a horse." 

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Center for Children Provides Peer Models and Social Skills Training, Summarized Aug 26, 2008

Recently, the Schwartz Center for Children offered 8-week peer modeling and social skills training for children with autism. The Bedford Massachusetts children and their peers learned from each other - the children with autism  gained skills in eye contact, simple social interactions, and following directions, while peers learned about children different than themselves. The Schwartz Center also offers a day school, early intervention, hippotherapy, speech and language therapy, self-help and motor skills.

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Hope for Exceptional Needs Thrives in Saudi Arabia, Summarized Aug 20, 2008

Hope for Exceptional Needs opened 10 years ago in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This multilingual school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities serves children of 14 different nationalities. The center, founded by Uzma Hussein, teaches special education using Scott Foresman materials, behavioral modification, life skills and vocational training. Students receive interventions including hydro therapy, hippotherapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, OT, and art therapy. One goal is for these children to prove that they are capable and functioning members of Saudi society.

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Twins with Autism Make "Forward Strides" with Hippotherapy, Summarized Jul 23, 2008

Forward Strides, a therapeutic horseback riding center in Oregon, uses horses to provide physical therapy and occupational therapy for children with autism. Also referred to as hippotherapy, the horse provides the treatment intervention. A horse's walk is similar to that of humans, which helps with balance. "Riders straddle flat padding for maximum contact with the horse, surrounded by therapists and volunteers. Reins aren't used; hips and legs must work harder to stay on board." Children also have the potential for increased social interaction with therapists and volunteers as well as creating a relationship with their horse.

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Showing 13-16 of 31 results

Synonyms for hippotherapy include: hippo therapy
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