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The Impact of a Horse Riding Intervention on the Social Functioning of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Author

Listed:
  • Androulla Harris

    (Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK)

  • Joanne M. Williams

    (Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK)

Abstract

This paper reports a case-control study of a horse riding intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A sample of 26 children, aged 6 to 9 years, were assigned to either the intervention ( n = 12) or control group conditions ( n = 14). Pre- and post-tests were carried out using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition (CARS2) and the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist-Community Edition (ABC-C). An observational measure of compliance and behaviour during the horse riding sessions was completed for the intervention group. There was a significant reduction in the severity of ASD symptoms and hyperactivity from pre- to post-test for the intervention group only. These results indicate that the intervention improves some aspects of social functioning for children with ASD.

Suggested Citation

  • Androulla Harris & Joanne M. Williams, 2017. "The Impact of a Horse Riding Intervention on the Social Functioning of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:7:p:776-:d:104651
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Shihui Chen & Yanjie Zhang & Mengxian Zhao & Xiru Du & Yongtai Wang & Xiaolei Liu, 2022. "Effects of Therapeutic Horseback-Riding Program on Social and Communication Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-13, November.
    2. Temple Grandin, 2019. "Case Study: How Horses Helped a Teenager with Autism Make Friends and Learn How to Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-5, July.
    3. Aubrey H. Fine & Alan M. Beck & Zenithson Ng, 2019. "The State of Animal-Assisted Interventions: Addressing the Contemporary Issues That Will Shape the Future," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-19, October.
    4. Mengxian Zhao & Shihui Chen & Yonghao You & Yongtai Wang & Yanjie Zhang, 2021. "Effects of a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program on Social Interaction and Communication in Children with Autism," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-11, March.
    5. Ningkun Xiao & Khyber Shinwari & Sergey Kiselev & Xinlin Huang & Baoheng Li & Jingjing Qi, 2023. "Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-47, February.

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