Children on the autism spectrum who struggle with social interaction, communication or sensory processing are reversing their neurological symptoms through equine-assisted therapy. According to a 2008 study conducted by UT Southwestern University Hospital and The Autism Treatment Center of Dallas at the SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center in Corinth, a child’s involvement in leading, grooming, saddling and riding a pony helps stimulate the development of synapses in the brain’s left hemisphere (the portion of the brain most affected by autism). In other words, the therapy is helping reverse autism.
People on the autism spectrum experience “under-connectivity” between the two sides of their brain, according to the report. Tactile therapies, like equine-assisted therapy, increase learning and the ability of the two sides of the brain to work in unison.
Charles Fletcher, CEO of SpiritHorse, says the center developed specific methods of instruction for children with autism and has several programs aimed at children with disabilities. All therapy offered at SpiritHorse is free of charge; the organization operates on foundation funding and grant proposals (creating a two- to three-month waiting list).
“In our years of operation, we have witnessed 49 children speak their first words during a therapy session,” Fletcher says. “It’s working, and this study is a black-and-white reflection of the success of this program.”
