Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in social interactions, communication, and repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. One of the main challenges is establishing effective communication with individuals with ASD, as the disorder often limits their ability to express needs and desires. For healthcare professionals, such as nurses, providing care can become complex, especially when they struggle to build trust and establish good collaboration with the patient. Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), which falls under Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI), represents a complementary approach to traditional therapies. It is based on the physical and emotional interaction with the horse, a sensitive and intelligent animal that becomes an active part of the rehabilitation process. Through the interaction between the animal and the patient, it is possible to work on improving relational skills. Additionally, the rhythmic and oscillatory movements produced by the horse’s gait stimulate numerous muscle groups, improving posture, strength, and balance. Lastly, the outdoor environment where the therapy takes place allows patients to come into contact with nature, and the riding center becomes a space for sharing and socialization. Objective: To assess the benefits that can be achieved for individuals with ASD through equine-assisted therapy, which can subsequently aid in providing comprehensive and adequate nursing care. Materials and Methods: I conducted a descriptive, retrospective, and prospective study based on the review of pre-filled observation forms (provided by the “Stella Polare” Clinical Center) and the direct observation of therapeutic sessions conducted at the “Villa Vanna” riding center.
Background: Il disturbo dello spettro autistico (ASD), è un insieme di disturbi dello sviluppo neurologico, caratterizzata da difficoltà nelle interazioni sociali, nella comunicazione e da comportamenti ripetitivi e stereotipati. Le maggiori difficoltà si riscontrano nello stabilire una comunicazione efficace con le persone con ASD, poiché il disturbo spesso limita la loro capacità di esprimere bisogni e desideri. Per un professionista sanitario come l’infermiere, l’assistenza può diventare complessa, soprattutto per non riuscire a creare un rapporto di fiducia e ad avere una buona collaborazione con il paziente. La Terapia con il Mezzo del Cavallo (TMC), che rientra negli interventi assistiti con gli animali (IAA), rappresenta un approccio complementare alle terapie tradizionali. Essa si basa sull'interazione fisica ed emotiva con il cavallo, un animale sensibile e intelligente, che diventa parte attiva del processo riabilitativo. Grazie all’interazione che si crea tra animale e paziente, si riesce a lavorare per migliorare le capacità relazionali. Inoltre, i movimenti ritmici e oscillatori dati dalle andature del cavallo, stimolano numerosi gruppi muscolari, migliorando la postura, la forza e l’equilibrio. Infine l’ambiente esterno in cui si svolge la terapia, offre ai pazienti di entrare in contatto con la natura e il maneggio diventa uno spazio di condivisione e socializzazione. Obiettivo: Verificare quali benefici si possono ottenere per le persone con ASD tramite la terapia con il mezzo del cavallo, che possono poi aiutare nel fornire un’assistenza infermieristica adeguata e completa. Materiali e metodi: ho condotto uno studio descrittivo retrospettivo e prospettivo, basato sulla lettura delle schede osservazionali precompilate (date dal Centro Clinico “Stella Polare”) e sull’osservazione diretta delle sedute terapeutiche svolte presso il maneggio “Villa Vanna”.
La terapia con il mezzo del cavallo: quali benefici può dare alle persone affette da autismo
CANZIAN, SARA
2023/2024
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in social interactions, communication, and repetitive, stereotyped behaviors. One of the main challenges is establishing effective communication with individuals with ASD, as the disorder often limits their ability to express needs and desires. For healthcare professionals, such as nurses, providing care can become complex, especially when they struggle to build trust and establish good collaboration with the patient. Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), which falls under Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI), represents a complementary approach to traditional therapies. It is based on the physical and emotional interaction with the horse, a sensitive and intelligent animal that becomes an active part of the rehabilitation process. Through the interaction between the animal and the patient, it is possible to work on improving relational skills. Additionally, the rhythmic and oscillatory movements produced by the horse’s gait stimulate numerous muscle groups, improving posture, strength, and balance. Lastly, the outdoor environment where the therapy takes place allows patients to come into contact with nature, and the riding center becomes a space for sharing and socialization. Objective: To assess the benefits that can be achieved for individuals with ASD through equine-assisted therapy, which can subsequently aid in providing comprehensive and adequate nursing care. Materials and Methods: I conducted a descriptive, retrospective, and prospective study based on the review of pre-filled observation forms (provided by the “Stella Polare” Clinical Center) and the direct observation of therapeutic sessions conducted at the “Villa Vanna” riding center.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/75933