Speech Language Pathologists Use Horses and Technology in Therapy (VIDEO)

Horses and technology are being used to help children communicate better.

Southern Tier Alternative Therapies and a Speech Language Pathologist are working on a pilot program for children who can't verbally express themselves. Most kids in the program have autism. (in Upstate NY).



Tina Caswell is a speech pathologist and Ithaca College faculty member. She is working with 6 families who are part of STAT's Strides program at Fragnoli Farms in Apalachin. Because the children struggle to or can't speak, they have a difficult time expressing themselves. That's where technology comes in. Speech generating software is on a device called the Dynovox or on the I-Pad. It's used to help children explain what they are feeling. Pictures pop up on the screen and the child can press the picture that reflects what they are thinking and what they want to do.  When the child presses the screen, a voice says what the picture shows and the child hears it.  That technology combined with riding horses, which basically absorb a child's sensory needs and allow them to relax, has allowed the children to improve their language skills. 

Caswell says, "For these kids, it has been wonderful because of the progress I've already seen here, not just with the kids, but with the parents has been fabulous. The parents have already made changes in their homes. They're trying to use the device more at home, being better communication partners for their children. So, what I see for these six kids is great success for them and I see them being very competent communicators and really developing good language and communication skills in the future."

The McNulty family from Apalachin is part of the pilot program. 5 year-old Laurie has verbal delays and can mimic what people say, but does not use much spontaneous language. She started using the speech generating software about two years ago. Her parents say she is making progress.

Cathy McNulty says, "She's very verbal when she gets off the horse. There is more spontaneous language in terms of things she would like. If she would like to watch a show, she'll tell you she'd like to watch a show or what she wants to eat or drink. She also makes a lot more eye contact and is a lot more interactive when she gets off the horse."

Laurie is much more interactive for the first hour after getting off the horse. Then, in Laurie's case, the results begin to diminish. In other children, results are longer lasting.  STAT says it depends on how much sensory input a child needs. In some cases, effects from the therapy last for several days. 

(Source: newschannel34.com)