HORSEBACK THERAPY HELPS AUTISTIC CHILDREN

As 9 year old Daniel Nelson unhesitatingly leads his therapeutic horse “Pippin” down the track at Greenlock Therapeutic Riding Center, he carefully follows therapist Kathy Darowski’s instructions.

The autistic youngster holds his hands out in front of him for a count of 10; puts them out to his side for a 10 count; and then raises them above his head for another 10 count.

“We set specific goal for the kids—they’re basic therapy goals that have nothing to do with the horse,” said Darowski, an occupational therapy assistant who works specifically with horses.

The equine therapy horses, on the other hand, are carefully selected for temperament and are trained to handle riders with all different types of disabilities such as cerebral palsy, down’s syndrome, and certain brain injuries.  “The key to horse therapy is that they don’t realize they’re getting therapy,” she said.

Pipin, the 12 year old draft horse that Daniel usually rides, was selected for Daniel.  “The type of movement he provides helps to keep him organized.”

The therapy also helps him follow directions, and because he has issues with eating, Darowski said manipulating the horse also strengthens his shoulders, which aids with eating and other tasks.

As Darowski walks alongside the youngster on the horse, volunteer Lesley Almeida leads the horse from the front.

“Where do you want to go?” Darowski asks.

“More track,” replies Daniel.

“What do you tell Pip,” she asks.

“Walk, Pip,” he replies, appearing clearly pleased at the horse following his command.

“A lot of the work with Daniel is direction following and having him be part of the conversation.  All of that carries over into the rest of his life,” Said Darowski.

His parents, Johanna and Dave Nelson, have been bringing Daniel and his younger brother Michael, who also has autism. To the riding center for years.  Daniel was referred to the center through an early intervention program.  “Almost immediately he was a different child on a horse.  He was more vocal and he was able to get him to do things,” she said.

Daniel has made tremendous strides over the years, even becoming more vocal.  “If you had seen him when he was little, he didn’t look at you and he didn’t respond to you.  You’d see that now he’s a totally different kid,” she said.