| Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first 36 months of life. Research suggests autism is caused by a biomechanical or neurological disturbance (Green Lake County Health & Human Services Fox River Industries, 2004). It occurs in approximately 5--15 per 10,000 births. It is four times more common in boys than in girls. Autism targets all racial, ethnic, social, lifestyle, educational or psychological factor populations (Kohn, 1996). Adults and children with autism have impaired language acquisition and comprehension; uneven development in physical, mental and social skills; difficulty relating to people, objects or events; lack of play skills, and abnormal sensory responses. Autism has various treatment modalities such as speech-language therapy, behavior modifications, sensory motor and integration, and special education intervention for school-age children with autism; however, my research suggests that the developmental disabilities of autistic children can also be addressed through therapeutic horseback riding. Therapeutic riding offers physical benefits from the gait of the horse, which resembles a human's natural walking movement. For the autistic population, research also suggests therapeutic riding offers social interaction as the instructors, volunteers, therapists, and riders build relationships with the horses. The purpose of this study is to measure specific communication and social benefits that therapeutic riding may offer autistic children. |
