Horses as Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Autism

Therapeutic horseback riding improved behaviors associated with ASD.

The use of animals in therapeutic interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been associated with stress reduction and behavioral improvements, though data are from open trials with small samples.

To assess the efficacy of therapeutic horseback riding (THR) in improving problem behaviors and social impairments in children with ASD, investigators randomized 116 participants aged 6 to 16 years to THR or a barn activity (control group). Both were 10-week programs (45 minutes/session), included information about horses, and used common behavioral therapy techniques for children with ASD. THR sessions, led by a certified instructor, focused on riding and horsemanship skills. The barn activity, co-led by an ASD therapist an…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics