The Magic of Therapies

Finding the right therapies can make all the difference in helping your child thrive.  While traditional therapies such as speech, occupational and behavioural therapy are essential, there are innovative, out-of-the-box approaches that can offer additional benefits.  Among these are art therapy and horse therapy (often referred to as equine therapy) stand out as powerful tools for growth, self-expression and connection.

Art therapy taps into the power of creativity to help children express themselves when words are not enough.  For autistic children, who may struggle with verbal communication or social cues, art can become a bridge to the outside world.  Here’s how art therapy can help your child.

The Magic of Therapies

• Art provides a non-verbal way for children to communicate their feelings, thoughts and experiences. This is especially valuable for non-verbal or minimally verbal autistic children who find it difficult to express themselves through spoken language.  By using colours, shapes and textures, they can convey emotions and stories in a safe and supportive environment.
• Many autistic children have unique sensory needs. Art therapy offers a wide range of sensory experiences, from the tactile feeling of clay to the soothing motion of a paintbrush on paper.  These activities can help regulate sensory sensitivities and provide a calming, focused outlet.
• Activities like drawing, cutting and sculpting require fine motor control, which can be challenging for some autistic children. Regular practice through art therapy helps develop these skills in a fun and engaging way, improving hand-eye coordination and muscle strength.

Art therapy is all about the process, not the end result.

• The joy of creating something unique can give a tremendous boost to a child’s self-esteem.  They learn that there is no “right” or “wrong” in art, giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment in their creations.
• Art projects often require decision-making and adaptability. If the paint spills, can we turn it into something beautiful?  If the clay cracks, can it become something new?  This encourages children to think creatively, practice flexibility, and develop problem-soling skills in a playful context.

While professional art therapists offer structure sessions, you can easily incorporate art therapy into your home routine.  Try making homemade playdough with different scents or use shaving cream on a cookie sheet for finger painting.  Experiment with different textures like sand, rice or beads to create sensory collages.

Provide your child with a journal where they can draw, paint or glue pictures that reflect their feelings or experiences.  This can be a private space for self-reflection or a way to share their thoughts with you.

The Magic of Therapies

Use your child’s interests as a theme for art activities.  If they love animals, create a series of animal drawings or sculptures.  If they are fascinated by space, work on a cosmic-themed mural together.  Tailoring the activity to their interests can make the experience even more engaging and rewarding.

Horse therapy is another innovative approach gaining popularity for autistic children.  Horses, with their gentle nature and keen sensitivity to human emotions, make incredible partners in therapeutic work.

• Horses respond to human behaviour and emotions, providing immediate feedback in a non-judgmental way. Interacting with a horse can help a child learn about boundaries, trust and empathy.  Over time, they may form a deep bond with the horse, feeling understood and connected in a way they might not with humans.
• Horse therapy often involves group sessions where children learn to communicate not just with the horse but also with their peers and therapists. Activities such as grooming, leading or riding a horse encourages children to listen, follow instructions and interact socially, building vital communication and social skills.

The Magic of Therapies

• Riding a horse offers a unique form of sensory input that can be both calming and stimulating. The rhythmic motion of horseback riding has been shown to help regulate sensory processing issues, promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Horseback riding engages the whole body, helping to improve balance, core strength and motor coordination. Children who participate in equine therapy often show improvements in posture and body awareness.
• Taking care of a horse, learning to ride or completing simple tasks around the stable can significantly boost a child’s self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment that comes from mastering new skills with such a large and powerful animal can be transformative, giving a sense of independence and empowerment.

How to get started:

Look for equine therapy centers in your area.  Many offer introductory sessions where you and your child can meet the horses and learn more about the program.

Some stables offer volunteer programs for families.  This could be a wonderful way for your child to interact with horses and learn about their care in a less formal setting.

If regular horse therapy sessions are not feasible, but your child shows a real interest in horses, consider integrating horse-related activities at home.  Read books about horses, play with horse-themed toys or even watch horse documentaries together.

Every child is unique and what works for one may not work for another.  But by thinking outside the box and exploring creative therapies tied to your child’s interests, you may discover new ways to connect with your child, nurture their development and help them find their own unique path.

Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to try different things.

Till next week.

A

Xxx

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