• Janet K Kern, Charles L Fletcher, Carolyn R Garver, Jyutika A Mehta, Bruce D Grannemann, Kandice R Knox, Theresia A Richardson, and Madhukar H Trivedi.
• Research Department, Autism Treatment Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. jkern@atcoftexas.org
• Altern Ther Health Med. 2011 May 1;17(3):14-20.

BackgroundAnecdotal reports and some studies suggest that equine-assisted activities may be beneficial in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).ObjectiveTo examine the effects ofequine-assisted activities on overall severity of autism symptoms using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the quality ofparent-child interactions using the Timberlawn Parent-Child Interaction Scale. In addition, this study examined changes in sensory processing, quality of life, and parental treatment satisfaction.Design And ParticipantsChildren with ASD were evaluated at four time points: (1) before beginning a 3-to-6 month waiting period, (2) before starting the riding treatment, and (3) after 3 months and (4) 6 months of riding. Twenty-four participants completed the waiting list period and began the riding program, and 20 participants completed the entire 6 months of riding. Pretreatment was compared to posttreatment with each child acting as his or her own control.ResultsA reduction in the severity of autism symptoms occurred with the therapeutic riding treatment. There was no change in CARS scores during the pretreatment baseline period; however, there was a significant decrease after treatment at 3 months and 6 months of riding. The Timberlawn Parent-Child Interaction Scale showed a significant improvement in Mood and Tone at 3 months and 6 months of riding and a marginal improvement in the reduction of Negative Regard at 6 months of riding. The parent-rated quality of life measure showed improvement, including the pretreatment waiting period. All of the ratings in the Treatment Satisfaction Survey were between good and very good.ConclusionThese results suggest that children with ASD benefit from equine-assisted activities.

27 keywords...

hide…