TY - JOUR
T1 - Equine-assisted interventions for psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder
T2 - a literature review
AU - Tan, Vanessa Xue Ling
AU - Simmonds, Janette Graetz
PY - 2019/9/15
Y1 - 2019/9/15
N2 - Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT), in its various forms, is an innovative approach emerging in the treatment of symptoms and difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This literature review presents an overview of the current research on psychosocial outcomes of EAAT for children and adolescents with ASD. Sixteen studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 2007 and 2017 were selected for inclusion. The research reports outcomes which include improvements in multiple areas of functioning relating to core features of ASD, such as greater social interaction and decreased problematic behaviors. Yet, there is much variability in the presentation of EAAT across the studies, with the majority concerned with therapeutic riding. EAAT may be relevant and powerful for client populations where there has been limited success with traditional clinic- or room-based forms of treatment.
AB - Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT), in its various forms, is an innovative approach emerging in the treatment of symptoms and difficulties associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This literature review presents an overview of the current research on psychosocial outcomes of EAAT for children and adolescents with ASD. Sixteen studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 2007 and 2017 were selected for inclusion. The research reports outcomes which include improvements in multiple areas of functioning relating to core features of ASD, such as greater social interaction and decreased problematic behaviors. Yet, there is much variability in the presentation of EAAT across the studies, with the majority concerned with therapeutic riding. EAAT may be relevant and powerful for client populations where there has been limited success with traditional clinic- or room-based forms of treatment.
KW - Animal-assisted therapy
KW - Autism spectrum disorder
KW - Equine-assisted activity
KW - Equine-assisted intervention
KW - Equine-assisted therapy
KW - Psychosocial functioning
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85066894480&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s40489-018-0143-7
DO - 10.1007/s40489-018-0143-7
M3 - Review Article
AN - SCOPUS:85066894480
SN - 2195-7177
VL - 6
SP - 325
EP - 337
JO - Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
JF - Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
IS - 3
ER -