| Abstract: | In this study, we applied a novel psycho-educational horseback riding (PEHR) program tothe treatment of four Japanese children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) inorder to facilitate the acquisition of verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Thebehavioral changes in each child were evaluated using a psychological and behavioralscale. The scale for evaluating the effect of Human-Equips-Interaction on Mental activity(HEIM scale) was designed to assess the behavioral improvement of children based on thefollowing 10 items: Human relationships, Imitation, Emotional expression, Sudden physicalmovement, Fixative behavior, Adaptation to change, Visual response, Fear or nervousness,and Verbal and nonverbal communication. After taking part in the PEHR program for severalmonths, all subjects showed remarkably improved HEIM scores and marked improvements wereobserved in eye contact with others (instructors, side walkers, and leaders) in the ridingarea. A statistical difference was found in items 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9. However, nostatistical difference was found in items 4, 5, and 10. As the program progressed, thechildren showed enhanced verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and became moreexpressive in their emotional and empathetic interaction with their parents. Theseobservations suggest that the normal functioning of pleasurable emotions and empathy mayfacilitate further improvements in joint attention, imitation and empathy, and may resultin successful verbal expression by PDD children. Therefore, horseback riding can play avery important role in the psycho-educational support required for the communicationability of PDD children. |
