Equine-Assisted Therapy as an Intervention for Social and Communicative Skills in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
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Date
2024
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Monash University
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by social and communication deficits, which significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) has gained attention as a complementary intervention for children with ASD, offering structured activities like horseback riding and grooming to improve social and communication skills. This systematic review evaluates 15 studies involving 428 participants, focusing on the effectiveness of EAT in enhancing these domains. Findings indicate significant improvements in social functioning, including social cognition and interaction, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. While five studies reported communication gains, the outcomes were less consistent, highlighting the need for further research. Secondary benefits, such as enhanced motor skills, behavioral adaptation, and family dynamics, were also observed. However, limitations like small sample sizes and methodological variability call for rigorous future studies. This review underscores EAT's potential as a holistic, evidence-based intervention for ASD, offering insights for practitioners, educators, and caregivers.
Description
This study explores the potential of Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) as an intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on its impact on social and communication skills. Drawing on 15 studies, it examines EAT’s structured activities, such as horseback riding and grooming, and their role in improving social interaction, emotional regulation, and motor skills. While highlighting the therapy's holistic benefits, the study also addresses gaps in consistent communication outcomes and emphasizes the need for more robust research to establish long-term effectiveness.
تم ارفاق اثبات الدرجة العلمية ، ارجو منكم. الرد عاجلا للحاجة العاجلة لإنهاء البعثة
Keywords
Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Social skills Communication skills Therapeutic interventions Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Evidence-based therapy Adaptive behavior Motor skills Animal-assisted interventions
Citation
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