Changing Lives of Autistic Children Through Horse Therapy

Horse therapy as a therapy model for autistic children is now a topic of debate. For clinically disposed experts, horse therapy does nothing more than introduce an additional stimulus into the mix. There are others who believe that with proper training, horse therapy holds great potential in treating autism.

Parents of autistic children have had many therapies and medications tossed their way, with hopes of reaching their children on a whole new level. Many parents are now looking after the potential of alternative methods for their children's condition despite all the promises of many therapies and medications. Even though the autistic aware community has become increasingly focused on horse therapy, this is still considered a new but promising therapy model for children with all type of disabilities especially autism.

Horses are of course majestic animals that carry with them a fabulous tale of potential, wonder, and amazing feats. Horse therapy as a therapy for autism has come under great scrutiny for some clinical experts. There are ample psychiatrists, physicians, and other experts who believe that horse therapy does nothing more than introduce an additional stimulus into the mix. There are others who believe that horse therapy holds great potential for those well trained and great potential for failure for those who believe they can just stick an autistic child and a horse in the same area and wait for a miracle.

The Horse Communicator

There have been movies made and books written about the possibilities horse therapies present. In fact, some of the great myths and legends of Native American origin include horses that can ultimately reach the unreachable, guide the blind and grace the deaf. These myths and legends make fantastic movie material, but those with disabled children live in the real world. Is it possible that a horse can help bring a child to a new level of communication? Of course it is. Those who have experienced success state rather emphatically that the therapy is not for all autistic children or all horses. Just like people, dogs, and cats, some horses have a higher degree of sensitivity. Some autistic children are looking to be reached while others are not. The right child paired with the right horse is the magic combination, according to those who have successfully helped autistic children communicate and reach out through horses.

Hopes, Dreams, and Realism

Many therapies that come along in hopes of helping autistic and otherwise disabled children, all of which are heavily publicized and turned into the media spectacle of new hope and promise. Those who have received proper training and have participated in case studies want parents to completely understand that horses are incredibly sensitive and can possibly stimulate a child's communication skills; thus because of this horse therapy has intentionally stayed as far from the media spotlight. Horses, just like all other experimental therapies and treatments, have successfully reached many children in ways that their parents and other clinical experts have not been able to. However, not every disabled child will look toward a horse just as not every disabled child will respond the same way toward medication and other therapies.

Not Just Any Trainer

The neighbor down the road who owns a horse or that farm that you pass on the way to the beach that has horses running around is not likely to be the place to introduce a disabled child to the horse. Horses that have proven to work effectively with disabled children have undergone some amount of training to help make them less intimidating. The trainers have gone through extensive training in order to understand how previously successful sessions have worked. Parents should be strongly cautioned against anyone making significant claims, advertising the services of their horse, or anyone offering to treat the child that offers up no credible form of proof of education and certification. People will surely prey on the desperate and horse therapy is no different. The right trainer and the right horse are strictly required in order to involve a disabled child in horse therapy.

With oil paintings from photos you will surely feel complete togetherness with your beloved pets. Portrait Kingdom's pet portrait artists will allow you to celebrate the memory of your pet.

The Magic Between Animals and Autistic Children

There is a special magic between autistic children and animals. I have personally witnessed what happens when an autistic child touches or holds an animal for the first time. This experience becomes even more special when the child has a pet of his/her own.

There are many varieties of pets suitable for children, but it may be best to wait until the child is older to consider ownership. The child should be old enough to act responsibly toward the animal of choice. Eight or nine years old seems to be the time to seriously consider pet ownership. The reasons for this is that very young children want to squeeze too tight when holding small pets and can injure or even kill their cherished companion. Also, it is best to wait until they are able to care for their pet. Assuming responsibility for feeding, watering, and bathing their pet can be overwhelming. Also cleaning the cage or bed is a big responsibility and even though it can be a great teaching process, the child may lose interest and neglect their charge. It is best to speak to the child about his responsibilities toward the care of the animal before it comes to live in the home.

Choosing a suitable pet for your autistic child can be quite a screening process. First, it must be the right size for the environment. Consideration should be given to the temperament of the animal. Sometimes children display rough treatment and a small dog, for instance, might tend to become defensive and bite the child. A pet should be healthy and have the appropriate shots to counter disease. Last, but not least, the child probably has in mind what kind of pet he/she wants. Accommodate them if it is feasible.

Our grandchildren chose to have house rabbits. They were purchased when the animals were very young. One is named Coconut and one is named Ben. Ben was named Lola until it was discovered he was not a female. Rabbits make wonderful pets.

They are not noisy, they take very little care, and they are very cuddly and enjoy being carried around and loved. Their sharp teeth can be a problem unless care is given to provide objects they can nibble on. Even then, sometimes they nip at the child. They enjoy hopping around the backyard, playing and nibbling the grass. The exposure to sun and fresh air keep them healthy.

If your circumstances will not allow owning a pet, there are many places to take your children to be around animals. Zoos provide an atmosphere where children can observe animals and not touch them. There are petting zoos, where the children can go in the pens with animals and pet them, feed them and play with them. Riding academies provide horseback riding. Autistic children do not like to have their feet leave the ground, so this may not be accepted right away. A gradual introduction to these types of animal adventures is a good idea, as many children are hesitant and fearful at first. Several visits may be required before the child warms up to the animals and feels safe around them. Be patient and participate in the experience. Your child will benefit positively from the association with warm and friendly animals. Communicate with your child even if it is not positive and enjoy the magic.

Meredith is a retired small business owner and has enjoyed retirement for a few years. She recently came out of retirement to develop an on-line affiliate business to earn money for a special project to help restore old historical cemeteries that are in ruin. The Data Connection will provide the monetary funds needed for this worthy endeavor. On-line affiliate marketing fits right into her stay-at-home lifestyle. While she enjoys writing, the rest of the business will not come so easy. The article marketing concept is strongly emphasized in the approach she is taking. She believes strongly that this will result in establishing a business with a firm foundation.

Her blog can be accessed at: http://aboutautismandmore.blogspot.com

Having Pets For Autistic Children, is This Advisable?

Most children love animals and want to have pets. This includes children with autism. Pets can be a wonderful addition to the family, but it can create problems and sometimes be harder on the pet than the family members. Is it advisable?

Before thinking about purchasing a pet for a family with an autistic child, it is advisable to take into consideration what kind of pet does the family want in their home. For example, is it going to be a dog, cat, bird, hamsters, what exactly is the pet going to be? In addition, the family should discuss the care of the pet, the cost, is it an indoor pet, an outdoor pet, who will have the responsibility to take care of the pet. Will it be a family joint effort, where all the family members will take turns and share the load of taking care of the pet, including the child with autism.

The individual who has autism in the family, may love the pet, but may not be able to take responsibility of caring for the pet. In other words, take the pet for a walk, if it is a dog, feed the pet, clean up the debris of the pet and litter that is accumulated, allowing the animal inside the house or outside the house for exercise and fresh air.

There are certain pets that require more care and attention than others do. This is true compared to having a cat as a pet verses a dog as a pet. Dogs usually require more attention, and care than cats do. It is a good idea to take into consideration, who is going to be home during the day with the pet. In addition, what about traveling or taking a vacation, will the pet be able to travel with the family, or will you have to hire someone? Will the pet adjust to traveling or the care of someone else?

Pets in a family with autism can be very therapeutic and can encourage the autistic child to have responsibility, follow instructions, love the pet with hugs, petting it, talking to it, crying and expressing emotions to the pet, that they may not do with other family members. It is imperative to realize, some autistic children display outbursts of anger and tantrums. Because of this kind of behavior in autistic children, you must remember that having a pet in the home may be a target for this kind of behavior. It is wise, not only to think of the family having a pet with a child that has autism, but take into consideration how the pet will adjust and be affected by the child if he or she has outbursts of anger or tantrums. The pet should never be in any danger with the child present if this occurs.

Take your child and family members to various pet stores, visit other families who own and take care of pets, to evaluate if your child with autism responds to the various kinds of pets in a positive way. Purchase a stuffed animal that looks or is the same kind of pet you and your family want as part of the home. Take the stuffed animal and practice and show the child what to expect when the animal comes home as a permanent pet. For example, if you decide to purchase a dog, buy a small leash, some dishes for the dog food, show the child where the dog is going to sleep, practice taking the stuffed animal for a walk with the leash, practice having the stuffed pet drink water and eat food out the dishes, let the child know, dogs bark, growl, cats meow, sometimes claw furniture, climb and jump. Make it a fun part of the child with autism so he or she becomes aware of what to expect if an animal as a pet, is brought home.

"Bonita Darula, is known world-wide, for her knowledge and insight on autism. Visit http://www.autismintoawareness.com to receive your updated e-book and bonus products that are waiting for you. Having pets for autistic children can be both positive and negative. Learn from the valuable information in her e-book, that will teach you more on this topic. Take action now."

The Magic Between Animals and Autistic Children

There is a special magic between autistic children and animals. I have personally witnessed what happens when an autistic child touches or holds an animal for the first time. This experience becomes even more special when the child has a pet of his/her own.

There are many varieties of pets suitable for children, but it may be best to wait until the child is older to consider ownership. The child should be old enough to act responsibly toward the animal of choice. Eight or nine years old seems to be the time to seriously consider pet ownership. The reasons for this is that very young children want to squeeze too tight when holding small pets and can injure or even kill their cherished companion. Also, it is best to wait until they are able to care for their pet. Assuming responsibility for feeding, watering, and bathing their pet can be overwhelming. Also cleaning the cage or bed is a big responsibility and even though it can be a great teaching process, the child may lose interest and neglect their charge. It is best to speak to the child about his responsibilities toward the care of the animal before it comes to live in the home.

Choosing a suitable pet for your autistic child can be quite a screening process. First, it must be the right size for the environment. Consideration should be given to the temperament of the animal. Sometimes children display rough treatment and a small dog, for instance, might tend to become defensive and bite the child. A pet should be healthy and have the appropriate shots to counter disease. Last, but not least, the child probably has in mind what kind of pet he/she wants. Accommodate them if it is feasible.

Our grandchildren chose to have house rabbits. They were purchased when the animals were very young. One is named Coconut and one is named Ben. Ben was named Lola until it was discovered he was not a female. Rabbits make wonderful pets.

They are not noisy, they take very little care, and they are very cuddly and enjoy being carried around and loved. Their sharp teeth can be a problem unless care is given to provide objects they can nibble on. Even then, sometimes they nip at the child. They enjoy hopping around the backyard, playing and nibbling the grass. The exposure to sun and fresh air keep them healthy.

If your circumstances will not allow owning a pet, there are many places to take your children to be around animals. Zoos provide an atmosphere where children can observe animals and not touch them. There are petting zoos, where the children can go in the pens with animals and pet them, feed them and play with them. Riding academies provide horseback riding. Autistic children do not like to have their feet leave the ground, so this may not be accepted right away. A gradual introduction to these types of animal adventures is a good idea, as many children are hesitant and fearful at first. Several visits may be required before the child warms up to the animals and feels safe around them. Be patient and participate in the experience. Your child will benefit positively from the association with warm and friendly animals. Communicate with your child even if it is not positive and enjoy the magic.

Meredith is a retired small business owner and has enjoyed retirement for a few years. She recently came out of retirement to develop an on-line affiliate business to earn money for a special project to help restore old historical cemeteries that are in ruin. The Data Connection will provide the monetary funds needed for this worthy endeavor. On-line affiliate marketing fits right into her stay-at-home lifestyle. While she enjoys writing, the rest of the business will not come so easy. The article marketing concept is strongly emphasized in the approach she is taking. She believes strongly that this will result in establishing a business with a firm foundation.

Her blog can be accessed at: http://aboutautismandmore.blogspot.com