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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Gepubliceerd in:

26-07-2015 | Original Paper

Effectiveness of a Standardized Equine-Assisted Therapy Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Auteurs: Marta Borgi, Dafne Loliva, Stefania Cerino, Flavia Chiarotti, Aldina Venerosi, Maria Bramini, Enrico Nonnis, Marco Marcelli, Claudia Vinti, Chiara De Santis, Francesca Bisacco, Monica Fagerlie, Massimo Frascarelli, Francesca Cirulli

Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | Uitgave 1/2016

Abstract

In this study the effectiveness of an equine-assisted therapy (EAT) in improving adaptive and executive functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was examined (children attending EAT, n = 15, control group n = 13; inclusion criteria: IQ > 70). Therapeutic sessions consisted in structured activities involving horses and included both work on the ground and riding. Results indicate an improvement in social functioning in the group attending EAT (compared to the control group) and a milder effect on motor abilities. Improved executive functioning was also observed (i.e. reduced planning time in a problem-solving task) at the end of the EAT program. Our findings provide further support for the use of animal-assisted intervention programs as complementary intervention strategies for children with ASD.

volgende artikel Leisure Activity Enjoyment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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Titel: Effectiveness of a Standardized Equine-Assisted Therapy Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Auteurs: Marta Borgi
Dafne Loliva
Stefania Cerino
Flavia Chiarotti
Aldina Venerosi
Maria Bramini
Enrico Nonnis
Marco Marcelli
Claudia Vinti
Chiara De Santis
Francesca Bisacco
Monica Fagerlie
Massimo Frascarelli
Francesca Cirulli
Publicatiedatum: 26-07-2015
Uitgeverij: Springer US
Gepubliceerd in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders / Uitgave 1/2016
Print ISSN: 0162-3257
Elektronisch ISSN: 1573-3432
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2530-6

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