Autism Spectrum Disorder

Healing Hooves Therapy is proud to offer equine-facilitated therapy (EFT) as a treatment option for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Las Vegas. EFT utilizes the unique connection between horses and humans to create a supportive and engaging environment that can address many of the core challenges associated with ASD.

How EFT Can Benefit Individuals with ASD

Our EFT program is designed to target specific areas of difficulty often experienced by individuals with ASD, including:

• Social Communication: Interaction with horses provides a safe and motivating space to practice communication including improved communication, learning social cues, and working with others.
• Emotional Regulation: Horses are highly sensitive animals that respond to emotions. EFT sessions can help individuals identify and manage their emotions through calming techniques and building a bond with the horse.
• Sensory Processing: The sensory experiences of grooming, leading, and reacting with a horse can improve sensory integration and decrease sensitivities for some individuals.
• Motor Skills and Coordination:  Several activities can enhance balance, core strength, and coordination.
• Focus and Attention: Working with horses requires focus and clear communication, promoting improved attention spans.
• Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem: Successfully completing tasks and building a relationship with a horse can foster a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem.
• Increased Ability to function Independently: EFT also fosters independence and emotional control. Structured sessions provide a safe space to practice new routines, building confidence for daily tasks. Caring for the horse instills responsibility. It promotes flexibility. The calming presence of horses allows experimentation with responses, and observing their reactions teaches valuable emotional regulation. This newfound flexibility translates to better problem-solving and fewer emotional outbursts, as individuals with ASD learn to adapt to unexpected situations.