Preliminary Efficacy of Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study was to identify appropriate outcome measures and assess preliminary efficacy of occupational therapy in an equine environment (OT ee HORSPLAY) for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-four youth with ASD aged 6–13 were randomized to 10 weeks of OT ee HORSPLAY o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2022-09, Vol.52 (9), p.4114-4128
Main Authors: Peters, B. Caitlin, Wood, Wendy, Hepburn, Susan, Moody, Eric J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal sciences
Animals
Autism
Behavior
Behavior Modification
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Care and treatment
Child and School Psychology
Communication
Demographic aspects
Diagnosis
Efficacy
Gardens & gardening
Goal Orientation
Horses
Hyperactivity
Interpersonal Competence
Intervention
Irritability
Motivation
Neurosciences
Occupational Therapy
Original Paper
Outcomes of Treatment
Pediatrics
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Psychology
Public Health
Skill development
Social interaction
Social motivation
Social skills
Testing
Therapists
Youth
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to identify appropriate outcome measures and assess preliminary efficacy of occupational therapy in an equine environment (OT ee HORSPLAY) for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-four youth with ASD aged 6–13 were randomized to 10 weeks of OT ee HORSPLAY or to a waitlist control condition, occupational therapy in a garden. Youth demonstrated significantly improved goal attainment and social motivation, and decreased irritability after OT ee HORSPLAY. When compared to the subset of participants who completed the waitlist control condition, the OT ee HORSPLAY group still demonstrated significant improvements in goal attainment. This study provides preliminary evidence that horses can be integrated into occupational therapy for youth with ASD to improve social and behavioral goals.
ISSN:0162-3257
1573-3432
DOI:10.1007/s10803-021-05278-0