Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder, with the greatest deficits in social communication and interaction. This developmental disorder is characterized by repeated patterns of behavior, resistance to change, and the absence of eye contact. Because autism is a constant throughout life, people with the disorder need constant help and support. More recent global research shows, that more than one percent of newborns have one of the autism spectrum disorders. In Slovenia, the number of people with autism spectrum disorders is around 20.000 people. The frequency of autism has increased so much, that it is nowadays one of the fastest growing developmental disorders, which is a challenge in finding its more specific causes, while also requiring more qualified professionals in the field, finding new forms of education and methods, approaches and therapies.
Therapy assisted with a horse is increasingly echoing in Slovenia and around the world. Research shows that therapeutic riding improves communication and social interaction, as well as enhances memory, coordination, cognitive and physical abilities. Proximity of a horse is also expected to affect the mood of a child with special needs; for example, a child prone to an outbreak of anger, anxiety and fear, the company of the horse calms and comforts him, and the child laughs more often.
In this master's thesis, we explore the effects of therapeutic riding on autistic children. We focus on the child's emotional state, when interacting with the therapy team (therapist, horse) and the parental and therapeutic view of therapy. We use the research method of grounded (experimental) theory, based on observation (therapy hours) and interviews of five participants, of which two therapists. The analysis of the results shows the positive efficancy of therapy assisted with a horse on children with autism spectrum disorders. All participants are very satisfied with the therapeutic riding program.
Children with autism are able to calm, comfort, cheer, motivate, prepare for laughs, and most importantly for eye contact, which most children do not have. Motor and physical abilities are also improved. The results of the master's thesis reinforce theories about the effectiveness of therapy assisted with a horse for the children with special needs.
Due to the prevalence of this developmental disorder, a good knowledge of the subject and a proper approach to these children are required. The master's thesis provides guidelines on how to identify and deal with the first autistic signs and demonstrate the impact of therapy assisted with a horse on an autistic child.
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