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Abstract
Many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrate deficits in gross motor skills, which hinder their ability to engage in athletic and other play activities. This further inhibits their opportunities to engage in physical activity, live healthy lifestyles, and develop age appropriate social skills; all primary foci of recreational therapy services. One intervention that has gained popularity in recent years for treating individuals with ASD is equine-assisted therapy. This study examined the effects of equine-assisted therapy on the gross motor skills of two children with ASD. Results showed moderate to large gains in body coordination, strength and agility, and overall gross motor skills as a result of participation in an equine-assisted therapy intervention. Implications for recreational therapists providing equine-based interventions are discussed.
Keywords
Autism Spectrum Disorder; equine-assisted therapy; gross motor skills; single-subject research; evidence-based practice
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has become one of the most prevalent disabilities within the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2012). Children with ASD not only experience significant deficits in social and communication skills (Ryan, Hughes, Katsiyannis, McDaniel, & Sprinkle, 2011); it is also common for them to demonstrate motor deficits, particularly gross motor impairment (Matson, Matson, & Beighley, 2011). Given the number of non-evidence-based interventions currently marketed for the treatment of ASD (e.g., facilitated communication, holding therapy, secretin therapy), selecting efficacious interventions can be a challenging proposition for both parents and professionals alike. Recreational therapy also continues to seek and develop evidence-based practices based upon measurement of client outcomes resulting from interventions. The development of evidence-based practices is necessary to help improve services and inform practitioner judgment in selecting efficacious programs and modalities (Buettner & Fitzsimmons, 2007; Skalko, 2012; Stumbo & Pegg, 2010). In particular, evidencebased interventions designed to increase motor proficiency are necessary to prevent gross motor delays and promote long-term physical and social health of children with ASD (Bhat, Landa, & Galloway, 2011). However, research demonstrating the efficacy of interventions to improve motor functioning of children with ASD is particularly limited. One form of therapy that has become increasingly popular is equine-assisted therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to address the gap in the evidence supporting the use of equine-assisted therapy as a treatment to improve gross motor skills of children with ASD.
Equine-assisted...