Introduction: There are a number of studies that highlight the benefit of using horses to meet therapeutic goals in the population of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Occupational Therapists are involved in the diagnosis and support of children with ASD to reach their functional potential. At Childvision, we are developing a unique multidisciplinary service that combines Occupational Therapy with Equine Therapy to improve outcomes in clients with ASD. It is called Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy. (EAOT)
Methodology: Published findings from 2009 to 2013 (1, 2, 3.) found that a horse riding program may be effective in reducing symptoms in ASD children. These, along with the published study (Heffernan 2017) carried out in ChildVision, were used in supporting the development of the Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy Service. This paper discusses the development and effectiveness of this service over it’s first year.
Main Findings: The Horse Sense Project trialled and run within ChildVision(4) looked at the value of using an equine setting to meet therapeutic goals. Run by Occupational Therapists using an Equine setting, it showed that there were positive changes for all participants in the following targeted areas: group dynamics, sensory integration, model of human occupation and International Classification of Functioning.
This lead to an Equine Therapy Unit being developed in ChildVision. The uniqueness of this EAOT Service is that the interventions for the clients are therapeutically led, whilst utilising the recognised benefits of using the equine as a treatment platform.
An overview of the types of service provision, and a number of case studies will be presented, together with plans for ongoing tailoring of the program and research into the effectiveness of our program.
Principal Conclusions and Implications for the Field: Observation and parental records suggest that EAOT is having a positive impact on the functioning of children with ASD in the areas of sensory processing, new learning and social integration. As this service develops, we hope to show through further research that Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy is an effective way of addressing the therapeutic needs of clients with ASD, using the horse as the therapeutic medium.