Angéline: On the occasion of “Autism spectrum disorder, when horses talk for you” publication in “live and act with autism” a few weeks ago, we wanted to talk about the benefits of horse-riding therapy on neurodevelopmental disease. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disease with numerous forms of manifestations and degrees. Over 1 in 100 children are touched by this pathology according to the World Health Organisation. Today, Ludivine, psychologist and equine assisted professional is with us to share her experience. Welcome Ludivine.
Ludivine: Hi Angéline. Thank you for having me.
A: Since Levinson’s work in 1965, various studies have shown positive effects of animal assisted therapies on people’s social development and mind. Cats, dogs, horses, dolphins and even lamas have been studied in their interactions with humans. It has been demonstrated that a relationship with animals can decrease the intensity and the frequency of symptoms, enhance a child’s personality development, adaptation and empathy. Ludivine works with horses for 4 years now. Can you talk about your history, your studies ?
L: About 5 years ago, I graduated with a Psychology Master’s degree. I began to work in a few institutions, and one experience was extremely significant for me. I worked with a 12 years old boy who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He couldn’t express himself with words and has an extreme sensory sensibility. I started to collaborate with educators and nursing staff to make his expression better. We created some little cards, pictograms, that he could use to communicate. And then, we have been concerned about another thing. This boy was able to communicate about his needs, but he couldn’t do it when he was in crisis. Nothing seems to calm him, to reassure him. He was frequently overstimulated and couldn’t do activities with his siblings. I talked to some colleagues to find a way to help these young men, and I heard about animal assisted therapy. I searched for a professional in horse therapy to explore the possibility and it speaks to me. 2 months later, I started training to incorporate this activity into my practice.
A: What’s the center point of your activity ? What do you do in this kind of therapy ?
L: The most important thing in equine assisted therapy is the relationship between you, the horse and the person that came to you. It is based on trust and where there is no judgment, only kindness and patience. Horses are the most incredible partners to pay attention to your emotions. They are like a mirror.
A: And what type of people need this kind of therapy?
L: Most generally, these are children, teenagers and adults with autism spectrum disorder. However, any person who has difficulty relating to others can also benefit from equine therapy (depression, social anxiety, withdrawal, intellectual disability, psychological disorder, physical disability).
A: According to the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders, people with Autism Spectrum Disorder appear to have difficulties relating to others in their non-verbal approach to others, in understanding others’ emotions, and in making friends. They have very specific and fixed interests and don’t tolerate change. It also appears that they may have repetitive movements and have a particular reactivity to sensory stimuli.
L: That’s right. I specify that there are many inter-individual differences and some are affected by an intellectual deficit or language impairment while others are not affected at all.
A: Many researches have been conducted on equine therapies and show that the horse stimulates the senses and the emotional memory. It would increase relational capacities and confidence, and would decrease depressive and anxious symptoms, in particular thanks to the production of oxytocin, the happiness hormone. It also seems that in a person suffering from post-traumatic stress, the patient-horse relationship could provoke modifications of some brain structures involved in the reward pathway. Contact with equines also promotes learning and concentration and helps to better manage frustration. Finally, because of its ability to translate our emotions, the horse allows us to recognize and understand our owns emotional and relational states. And you Ludivine, what benefits do you see in sessions for children with autism spectrum disorder?
L: The equitherapy sessions have shown benefits on self-confidence and a more easily establishment of a confidence relationship with others and animals. Behavioral problems are calmed (less screaming, crying and anxiety). The different activities with the horse work on the hypo or hyperstimulation of the senses. This also leads to body modifications (in terms of equilibrium and postural tonus) as well as executive functions (inhibition, mental flexibility) allowing a better tolerance to changes. People with autism disorder are more often calm and can create real attachment links with the horse, which becomes a partner in the social relationship.
A: Thank you for all this information. Do you have any advice or interesting reading to share with our listeners?
L: I can suggest you the article “The horse as a therapy : what does science say about it” on the website Equit’harmonie, which allows you to understand the principle and the benefits of this therapy.
A: Thanks for answering our questions Ludivine. For all of our listeners, thank you for your loyalty. I see you next week for a new topic. Have a lovely week.