Saturday, 10 April 2010

• Autism Treatment: O.A.T.S and Alternative Therapies

  Among the many things I wanted to cover when I started writing my Autism Diary a few months back were the many "non-traditional" forms of treatment available to those on the Autism Spectrum. Thankfully, there are many more alternative treatments and therapies available for Autism than ever before. The "Diary" not only allowed me to share what I've learned (OT, special diets), but I've also been able to learn so many new things from other readers and support groups close to home. One organization I learned about was O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) thanks to Oakland University's annual OUCares Family Fun Day. I visited their booth at OUCares and talked to a representative about their program.

  O.A.T.S. is a Clarkston-based 501(c) non profit that uses horseback riding as a means for therapy for all special needs riders. The program started in 1997 and their instructor's mission is to get every rider to a point where they can ride independently. All of their instructors are certified. By interacting with and learning about horses, riders learn: balance, flexibility, communication skills, social interaction and self-esteem. O.A.T.S. representatives told me that caregivers, parents and doctors are often surprised at the dramatic improvements riders receive from their program!

  O.A.T.S. makes sense for any special needs affliction but I immediately notice the possible benefits it would have on an ASD idividual. I learned from my child's Occupational Therapy that ASD children crave bouncing or "crashing" movements to help stimulate their need for better spatial relations. It seems the natural movements of horseback riding would definitely provide this! I also learned from the PAWS reading program that ASD children often find ways to develop their social skills with animals first and O.A.T.S. representatives told me that ASD children often bond with horses immediately.

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