Journal Article

Effectiveness of a Standardized Equine-Assisted Therapy Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Vinti, Claudia, Fagerlie, Monica, De Santis, Chiara, Bramini, Maria, Chiarotti, Flavia, Cerino, Stefania, Marcelli, Marco, Frascarelli, Massimo, Borgi, Marta, Cirulli, Francesca, Venerosi, Aldina, Loliva, Dafne, Nonnis, Enrico, Bisacco, Francesca

2016

Overview

In this study the effectiveness of an equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in improving adaptive and executive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was examined (children attending EAT, n = 15, control group n = 13; inclusion criteria: IQ > 70). Therapeutic sessions consisted in structured activities involving horses and included both work on the ground and riding. Results indicate an improvement in social functioning in the group attending EAT (compared to the control group) and a milder effect on motor abilities. Improved executive functioning was also observed (i.e. reduced planning time in a problem-solving task) at the end of the EAT program. Our findings provide further support for the use of animal-assisted intervention programs as complementary intervention strategies for children with ASD.

• Publisher: Springer US,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adapted Physical Education / Animal cognition / Animals / Assistance / Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder - diagnosis / Autism Spectrum Disorder - psychology / Autism Spectrum Disorder - therapy / Autism Spectrum Disorders / Autistic children / Behavior / Behavior Patterns / Behavioral Science and Psychology / Care and treatment / Cerebral palsy / Child / Child and School Psychology / Children / Complications and side effects / Control Groups / Cytology / Disability / Environmental Influences / Equine-Assisted Therapy - methods / Executive Function / Health aspects / Horseback riding / Horses / Humans / Intelligence tests / Interpersonal Relationship / Intervention / Longitudinal Studies / Male / Medical treatment / Motor ability / Neurosciences / Occupational therapy / Original Paper / Outcomes of Treatment / Parents / Pediatrics / Pervasive Developmental Disorders / Problem Solving / Program Effectiveness / Psychiatry / Psychological Patterns / Psychology / Public Health / Quality of life / Rehabilitation / Risk factors / Schizophrenia / Social Adjustment / Social functioning / Social research / Systematic review / Therapeutic Recreation / Therapy / Treatment Outcome / Withdrawal (Psychology)