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Journal of autism and developmental disorders2021; 52(9); 4114-4128; doi: 10.1007/s10803-021-05278-0

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

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to identify appropriate outcome measures and assess preliminary efficacy of occupational therapy in an equine environment (OT HORSPLAY) for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-four youth with ASD aged 6-13 were randomized to 10 weeks of OT 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 HORSPLAY. When compared to the subset of participants who completed the waitlist control condition, the OT 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.
© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
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Publication Date: 2021-09-23 PubMed ID: 34557985PubMed Central: 3423616DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05278-0Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article examines the potential value of a specific form of occupational therapy, involving interaction with horses, for young people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The findings of the study show that this equine-based occupational therapy method led to significant improvement in goal attainment, social behavior, and decreased irritability.

Research Study Details

  • The focus of the research was to assess the merits and suitability of specific outcomes resulting from Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment (OT HORSPLAY). The study sought to understand whether this therapy could yield favorable results for children and young adolescents diagnosed with ASD.
  • Participants in the study included a group of 24 children with ASD aged between 6 and 13. These youth were randomly assigned to partake in a 10-week OT HORSPLAY course.
  • Alongside this group, a control group was established. These participants were given occupational therapy in a different environment – a garden – and formed what was known as the ‘waitlist control condition’.

Key Findings from the Study

  • Results from the research showed promising signs in individuals who underwent the OT HORSPLAY therapy. Participants showed an evident increase in their ability to attain their goals and displayed greater social motivation after the duration of the therapy.
  • Alongside these positive aspects, these young individuals also showed a decrease in irritability, underlining another potential advantage of the therapy.
  • Interestingly, even after comparing the improvements made by the participants of the equine therapy with those who were part of the waitlist control condition (the garden environment), the former group demonstrated significant improvements, especially in terms of goal attainment.

Research Conclusions

  • Based on the results of this study, the researchers concluded that integrating horses into occupational therapy for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder holds potential to improve their social behavior and help them reach their personal goals. The decreased irritability noted amongst participants also contributes positively to their behavioral development.
  • This conclusion supports the initial hypothesis that equine-based therapy (OT HORSPLAY) could add value to the treatment and counseling processes of young people with ASD.
  • However, it’s important to emphasize that these results are preliminary. Further research and evidence are necessary to validate this form of therapy and its benefits fully.

Cite This Article

APA
Peters BC, Wood W, Hepburn S, Moody EJ. (2021). Preliminary Efficacy of Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord, 52(9), 4114-4128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05278-0

Publication

Journal of autism and developmental disorders
ISSN: 1573-3432
NlmUniqueID: 7904301
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 9
Pages: 4114-4128

Researcher Affiliations

Peters, B Caitlin
  • Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, 735 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA. caiti.peters@colostate.edu.
Wood, Wendy
  • Departments of Occupational Therapy and Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, 735 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
Hepburn, Susan
  • Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, 1501 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA.
Moody, Eric J
  • Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave, Laramie, WY, 82071, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Occupational Therapy

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Citations

This article has been cited 13 times.
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