The effect of Equine therapy on social indicators, communication and stereotyped behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder

Mansourjozan, Zahra; Zamani Sani, Hojjat; Hekmatmanesh, Amin; Aghdasi, Mohammad Taghi; Taheri Torbati, Hamidreza

doi:10.22089/mbj.2024.16757.2156

The effect of Equine therapy on social indicators, communication and stereotyped behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorder

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

¹ PhD Student in Motor Behavior, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz

² Associate professor of Motor Behavior, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sports Sciences,, University of Tabriz, Tabriz

³ Laboratory of Intelligent Machines, LUT University, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland

⁴ Professor of Motor Behavior, Ferdowsi University of Tabriz, Tabriz

⁵ Professor of Motor Behavior, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad

https://doi.org/10.22089/mbj.2024.16757.2156

Abstract

Children diagnosed with autism often exhibit a variety of social, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. Studies indicate that equine therapy can positively impact the learning potential of these children. This study aimed to explore the influence of equine therapy on the social, communicative, and stereotypical behaviors of children within the autism spectrum The research involved 24 children aged 9-12 with autism spectrum disorder that were assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent 16 sessions of equine therapy, while the GARS-2 )2006) questionnaire assessed the dependent variables. Statistical analysis using SPSS version 27 and repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant enhancement in social communication (P =0.02) within the experimental group, as evidenced by improved scores compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in stereotypical behavior (P=0.66) and social interaction variables (P =0.18). The findings support the efficacy of equine therapy in enhancing social communication among children with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting its potential as a complementary treatment alongside conventional clinical approach.

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