“Delayed Developmental Milestone,” it’s the diagnosis that brought her here. A phrase all at once vague and threatening; the idea that something may be wrong, but no true explanation of what, or why. With one child already receiving treatment at NCEFT, the family once again turned to hippotherapy for help.
She was less than three years old, with white-blonde hair and quick to smile. For many kids the initial session is tough, asked first to leave the comfort of their parent’s arms for that of a stranger’s, and then to climb aboard an animal of immense size; it’s no surprise that tears may be shed. But not for her. No, she was happily placed upon the pony’s back, riding off without so much as a backwards glance at her family waiting on the viewing deck.
Weeks passed and she fell into an easy pattern. Hands on head, hands on shoulders, hands on hips. Walk-halts, serpentines, figure eights, and often a lap or two around the sensory trail. When it came to following directions she was exceptional, never faltering in her willingness to do as asked. Her sessions were productive, and neat, and quiet. Very quiet. She didn’t babble, she didn’t squeal. She never attempted to communicate or imitate others. Her only vocalizations were in response to questions, and her replies were unvaried, “Da.” One word, one syllable.
That Wednesday started like any other. “Can you say ‘pig’?” the therapist asked as they walked around the arena, pointing to the wooden shapes that lined the walls, “P-p-pig.” She slowly emphasized each letter. “Da,” the girl replied.
“How about cow?”
“Da.”
“Can you say moon?” she asked, trailing over the o’s.
“Moon.”
The group let out a collective squeal; therapists, sidewalkers, and horse handler all in disbelief. Moon, it was the first word she had spoken at NCEFT. She’d say it again the following week, and every week afterwards. Last week was her final session, you’d hardly recognize the little girl squealing while her pony trotted down the arena. She laughs, and waves, and though still quiet, she talks.
For information on developmental milestones, check out http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/stages.cfm
To learn more about Equine Assisted Therapy and its indication in developmental delays consider the following titles:
– Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues
– Special Needs, Special Horses: A guide to the benefits of therapeutic riding
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?index=books&linkCode=qs&keywords=1574411926
