Equine Assisted Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was first defined by Leo Kanner in 1943 as a common neurodevelopmental disorder that has a negative effect on social interaction, communication, and behaviour. These individuals have problems such as impaired sensory processing skills, reduced balance and coordination, difficulties in undertaking daily living activities, diminished quality of life, sleep problems, and poor speech and language skills. According to the 2015 report published by the American National Autism Center, treatments are examined under three headings: those based on science, those promising, and those not based on science. Animal support therapies are included in the intervention not based on science.

It can be seen in the literature that the relationship between people and animals provides people with physical, mental and psychological support. Because of the positive effects of this relationship, various animals have started to be used for therapeutic purposes by those in need. Horses are used most often because accessibility is easy and they share many characteristics with humans. Therapies that include horses come under the following five headings: Adaptive Riding, Equine Assisted Activities, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Therapy, and Hippotherapy.

Equine-assisted therapy is used in several pathologies and various age groups, most commonly in pediatric rehabilitation. However, there are few studies in the literature on this subject. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of equine-assisted therapy for children with autism on daily living activities, balance, quality of life, and sleep. Thus, it is thought to contribute to the literature in terms of the effectiveness of applying equine-assisted therapies together with traditional therapies in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Study Hypothesis as follows: Equine-Assisted Therapies have an effect on daily living activities, balance, quality of life, and sleep of individuals with ASD.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with ASD,
• Having <60 kg in body weight
• Having no shunt,
• Having no allergy to feathers or dust,
• Having not previously received equine-assisted therapy.

Exclusion criteria

• Having hip or shoulder dislocation, osteoporosis/coxarthrosis,
• Having uncontrollable seizures,
• Having aneurysm,
• Having a recent history of fracture,
• Having decubitus,
• Having atlantoaxial instability,
• Having hemophilia,
• Using anticoagulant drugs,
• Having acute arthritis,
• Having an unstable spine,
• Having acute disc hernia,
• Having spondylolisthesis,
• Having spinal fusion,
• Having no control of the head.

Other exclusion criteria related to therapies;

• Inability to adapt to the therapy,
• Having a fear of horses,
• The occurrence of seizures or worsening of the existing seizure status,
• Worsening of vital signs,
• Requesting to quit the study participation