Equine-Assisted Therapy with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Serbia and the United States: A Pilot Intervention

Authors

  • Shay Dawson Central Michigan University
  • Bryan P. McCormick Temple University
  • Daniela Tamas University of Novi Sad
  • Cedomir Stanojevic Indiana University
  • Lori Eldridge East Carolina University
  • Jordan McIntire Indiana University
  • Ashley Bowen BYU
  • H. Blair McKissock HorseWork Master Facilitator and Faculty

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2022-V56-I1-10387

Keywords:

Autism Spectrum Disorder, equine-assisted therapy, International Research, recreational therapy

Abstract

Adolescent and young adults with a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the severe to moderate functioning range were recruited for this study in Serbia and the United States (U.S.). A total of ten participants, five from each respective country, participated in a 15- week equine-assisted therapy (EAT) intervention that utilized ground-based learning through a manualized program approach. The purpose of the study was to test the effects of a manualized 15-week EAT intervention on the social functioning of individuals with severe to moderate ASD across two cultures using a single subject research design. Nine out of 10 participants displayed improved social functioning over the course of the 15- week EAT intervention in both cultures.

Published

2022-02-23

Issue

Section

Research Papers