THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF RIDING THERAPY AS A HELP IN THE PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Abstract

Considering the precariousness of academic research regarding the possible effects of hippotherapy on the development of children with signs of some psychological disorder, it made possible the elaboration of a research project on the subject. The objective is to investigate the influence of hippotherapy on the psychomotor and social development of psychological children diagnosed with autism, to identify the effects of hippotherapy in this population and to control the influences on the development of the infant in treatment with hippotherapy. For that, the treatment is observed holistically, which includes field analysis, analysis of the interaction between team and practitioner, practitioner and animal, team and animal, analysis of the development of the practitioner, analysis of the techniques used. It starts from the hypothesis that a rehabilitation treatment and mental and motor reeducation, carried out through the practice of equestrian activities. Therefore, important areas for psychology are worked on, such as self-confidence and anxiety. A Psychology professional inserted in the equotherapy treatment prepares the team to receive and their expectations, fears, and patient. Likewise, the work is practical so that he is prepared to start the treatment without resistance, working in a relationship of trust with the animal and the team.