ERIC Number: EJ1115307
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Oct
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
Brief Report: The Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities on the Social Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Anderson, Sophie; Meints, Kerstin
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v46 n10 p3344-3352 Oct 2016
Equine-assisted activities and therapies are increasing in popularity for treatment of ASD symptoms. This research evaluated effects of a 5-week programme of therapeutic riding on social functioning of children/adolescents (N = 15) with ASD. The effectiveness of the programme was evaluated using the autism spectrum quotient, the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale and the empathising and systemising quotient. Results established that the TR intervention increased empathising and reduced maladaptive behaviours. The findings also indicated that specific adaptive behaviours like socialization and communication were not affected by the intervention. Thus, a complex picture of the effects of this intervention emerges: while TR does not change all of the child's behaviour, it can improve specific aspects of social functioning and also reduce maladaptive ASD traits.
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Therapy, Horses, Program Descriptions, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Behavior Problems, Child Behavior, Behavior Change, Socialization, Program Effectiveness, Children, Adolescents, Intervention, Interpersonal Competence, Empathy, Adjustment (to Environment), Behavior Rating Scales, Communication Skills, Foreign Countries, Questionnaires, Interviews, Statistical Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A