Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

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HIPPO therapy?

jordanc
jordanc
Harrison's OT gave us the opportunity to do HIPPO (horse) therapy. She said she would bill it the same as his regular OT, just so we wouldn't have problems with insurance. Harrison loves horses, so I think this is going to really be a good thing. Has anybody else done this?
deleted_user
deleted_user
no, but i have thought about it....was actually going to talk to the budyball group and the ot to see if i could find something like that for adam. let me know how it works out for your little guy, oh, and pictures, we want pictures!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Nicholas started Hippotherapy about 2 months ago - he simply loves it!! He had never even seen a horse up close before he started. He hates wearing hats of any kind and when we first put the helmet on him he was screaming {big time!} but the second he was put on the horse he stopped screaming and started looking around - the second week he only cringed when I put the helmet on and now he runs right to where the helmets and belts are!

He does awesome - they told me it takes about 4 to 6 sessions for the child to fully adjust to the horse - well Nicholas loves it so much he had adjusted in the first 2 sessions - they trot now {oh and the giggle from that!}, have him sit backward {it makes them use more muscles} and all kinds of things. He even talks around the people working with him and it normally takes a very long time for him to speak around a new person!

Good luck - I hope it goes well!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have been told that the hippo therapy does wonders, I havent had julie do it as they are afraid of her dislocating her hips due to her hypotonia and laxity, she cant even sit on a peanut ball,
Let us know how it goes,,,hugs
sambod
sambod
actually, sam did this when we lived in kentucky. they were wonderful with him and he loved it. good luck with it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
awsome OT you have!!!!
we have not ever done that either but what is it supose to do to help our kids? cuz im up for anything!!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I love hippotherapy!

I got my little guy on a horse starting at age 1. This summer we have not been able to do much of it because of timing, but he spent three summers doing it weekly. It improved his strength and his timing and I think his language. Plus, it was fun! If you have the opportunity, I say go for it.

- PWSMom (Founder of Healing Autism group)
deleted_user
deleted_user
We tried hippotherapy, but of course, Casen was allergic to horses. To even be near the horse, he had to take so much allergy medicine that he was too sleepy to participate. His OT said that it's one of the best sensory integration and physical therapies available. We're going to wait a while and try again. Good Luck!
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