Nurturing communication skills with the help of a four-legged friend
Speech therapy services incorporating the use of equine movement as part of the child's treatment plan.
Therapy Services
Our Speech Therapy services
Pediatric speech therapy services take place in the natural setting of the stable and the outdoors, providing a unique experience for the child. The movement of the horse may be incorporated into the child’s treatment plan, along with other treatment strategies, to facilitate the best possible outcome. The movement of the horse while mounted, as well as other unmounted activities in this type of environment, help elicit communication skills through motor and sensory input. Children often don't realize they are receiving 'therapy' because of this type of environment or activity, which lends itself to increased engagement and progress -- because it's FUN!
about Speech therapy incorporating Hippotherapy
Definition & Benefits of HIPPOTHERAPY
DEFINITION
Hippotherapy is the evidence-based practice of using the natural gait and movement of a horse to provide motor and sensory input during the treatment of disorders requiring speech, physical, or occupational therapy. The American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) regards hippotherapy as a therapy tool that can be utilized by speech-language pathologists working within their scope of practice. The movement of the horse is incorporated into therapy treatment plans, in conjunction with other strategies, to facilitate positive functional outcomes in patients with motor, sensory, cognitive, and communication deficits.
BENEFITS
Hippotherapy provides the speech therapy client with:
- Increased core strength, balance, respiratory control and motor planning used for talking.
- Improved behavioral regulation and cognitive processes for increased attention and language development.
- Simultaneous stimulation of all sensory systems through proprioceptive, vestibular and tactile input.
- Increased motivation and engagement during treatment, enhancing the ability to express thoughts and needs.
There is a growing body of peer reviewed clinical research that supports the value of including hippotherapy as a treatment strategy. For more information, please visit the American Hippotherapy Association website at www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org
ABOUT THE THERAPIST
Lisa Skinner, MBA, MS, CCC-SLp, CTRI
Lisa Skinner is a bilingual, ASHA certified Speech Pathologist with a Master's in Speech Language Pathology from Texas Woman’s University. She has over 10 years of experience working in local school districts to provide therapy and evaluation services to children ages 2 years and up. Prior to her career in speech therapy, Lisa earned an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and worked in international marketing within the non-profit sector.
Lisa specializes in incorporating the movement of the horse into her clients’ treatment plans. She is certified by the American Hippotherapy Certification Board in order to effectively incorporate equine movement into speech therapy. She is also certified by PATH Intl. as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). She actively participates in continuing education courses in hippotherapy and speech therapy to stay informed of ways to effectively elicit functional change in individuals with communication disorders due to conditions such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental/Global Delay
- Down's Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury/Stroke
- Stuttering
Sole Purpose
Lisa's son is the sole reason she decided to leave her career in marketing to become a Speech Pathologist. Her son was born with partial Di' George Syndrome and severe club feet. His syndrome caused him to have motor, cognitive and speech delays that required physical, occupational and speech therapies. With early interventions, her son was able to overcome many of his challenges, allowing him to successfully participate in school and now college. Having seen first-hand the positive impact early interventions had on him, Lisa wants to help others like her son gain the necessary communication skills for a successful functional outcome.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
We love our clients, so feel free to call and make an appointment to visit.
lisa@highstridestherapy.com
Hours
Open today | 08:00 am – 07:00 pm |
