Equoterapia no Desenvolvimento Neuropsicomotor da Criança com TEA

Abstract

Autism is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors, affecting the psychomotor development of children, particularly in areas such as balance, laterality, and reversibility, which are crucial for autonomy. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses various neurodevelopmental conditions with restricted and challenging behavior patterns. In this context, equine therapy, which uses horses to stimulate biopsychosocial development, has shown significant benefits, such as improvements in balance, posture, motor adaptation, emotional control, and self-esteem. Interaction with animals also fosters social skills and communication. The research aimed to explore these benefits, highlighting their impact on the motor, cognitive, and social development of children with ASD.

The study is a bibliographic review based on exploratory and explanatory research. Articles from the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases were selected, published in the last 10 years in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, related to equine therapy, autism, and motor therapies. The analysis focused on the benefits of equine therapy on the motor and social development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), comparing its results with other conventional therapies. Equine therapy proved effective in strengthening motor skills, social abilities, improving self-esteem, reducing aggressive behaviors, and enhancing communication and social interaction.

The study analyzed 15 articles about equine therapy in the neuropsychomotor development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The results show that equine therapy improves balance, coordination, muscle strength, and postural control, in addition to promoting emotional and cognitive benefits, such as increased attention, reduced anxiety, and improved communication. Interaction with the horse also strengthens autonomy and muscle tone in children. Although the therapy showed improvements in adaptive behavior, it did not reduce parental distress, increasing parents' perception of their children's demands; adaptation to the practice requires patience.

The study confirmed the effectiveness of equine therapy in the neuropsychomotor development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The therapy brought improvements in motor, cognitive, and social skills, confirming the positive effects already known in behavior and communication. Equine therapy also contributed to language development, increased autonomy, and better quality of life, promoting the social inclusion of children with ASD.