Hippotherapy and Children with Autism

The American Journal of Occupational Therapy published a pilot study on 6 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who participated in 45 minute hippotherapy sessions for 12 weeks.  To determine pre and post intervention scores the following were used: the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales–II, the Child Activity Card Sort, force plates and a video motion capture system and force plates.

The results indicated the following:

• significant decrease in postural sway post hippotherapy
• significant increase in overall adaptive behavior particularly receptive communication and coping
• significant increase in self care skills, low demand leisure skills and social interactions

The authors concluded that "hippotherapy has a positive influence on children with ASD and can be a useful treatment tool for this population".  

Reference: Heather F. Ajzenman, John W. Standeven, and Tim L. Shurtleff Effect of Hippotherapy on Motor Control, Adaptive Behaviors, and Participation in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study Am J Occup Ther November 2013 67:653-663; doi:10.5014/ajot.2013.008383