Hipotherapy and Canistherapy: A Review from the Autistic Community

Animal Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review from the Autistic Community

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication difficulties and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Animal therapy, including hippotherapy and canistherapy, has been suggested as a complementary treatment for individuals with ASD. This article reviews the evidence supporting the use of animal therapy in ASD and the recommendations from the autistic community.

Hipotherapy in ASD

Hipotherapy is a form of animal-assisted therapy that uses horseback riding as a therapeutic tool. It has been shown to improve balance, coordination, and motor planning in individuals with ASD. Hipotherapy has also been found to improve social communication and emotional regulation in children with ASD.

Canistherapy in ASD

Canistherapy is another form of animal-assisted therapy that uses dogs as therapeutic tools. It has been shown to improve social communication, emotional regulation, and sensory processing in individuals with ASD. Canistherapy has also been found to reduce anxiety and improve mood in children with ASD[1].

Evidence Supporting the Use of Animal Therapy in ASD

A growing body of evidence supports the use of animal therapy in the treatment and management of ASD. Animal therapy has been found to improve social communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and motor skills in individuals with ASD[1]. Animal therapy has also been found to reduce anxiety and improve mood in children with ASD[1].

Recommendations from the Autistic Community

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) has recommended the inclusion of animal therapy, including hippotherapy and canistherapy, in the treatment and management of ASD[1]. This would encourage further research on animal therapy in ASD, inform assessment and interventions, and help address the current under-provision of services for animal therapy.

Conclusion

Animal therapy, including hipotherapy and canistherapy, has been suggested as a complementary treatment for individuals with ASD. The evidence supporting the use of animal therapy in the treatment and management of ASD is growing, and the autistic community has recommended its inclusion. This would help ensure that under-represented groups receive appropriate diagnoses and services, and it would encourage further research on animal therapy in ASD. Medical specialists in the fields of neurology, psychiatry, and occupational therapy should consider these recommendations when diagnosing and treating individuals with ASD.

The information from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is based on their policy brief "ASD in DSM-5: What the Research Shows and Recommendations for Change" by Steven Kapp and Ari Ne’eman[1]. This brief provides a detailed review of the potential implications of the DSM-5 draft criteria for ASD and offers recommendations to address the identified issues.

https://autisticadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ASAN_DSM-5_2_final.pdf