Summary of the Systematic ReviewARTICLE CITATIONThe Effect of Therapeutic horseback Riding on social functioning in children with autismBass M, Duchowney C, Llabre M Journal of Autism and Dev. Dis (2009) ARTICLE DETAILSDescriptionThis study evaluated the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism. We hypothesized that participants in the experimental condition (n = 19), compared to those on the wait-list control (n = 15), would demonstrate significant improvement in social functioning following a 12-weeks horseback riding intervention. Autistic children exposed to therapeutic horseback riding exhibited greater sensory seeking, sensory sensitivity, social motivation, and less inattention, distractibility, and sedentary behaviors. ProfessionOccupational Therapist LocationUSA Intervention TerminologyTherapeutic Riding Study DesignPre/post w. control Sample34 children Age/Population5-10 years Assessment/ Outcome measure toolsSensory Profile, Social Responsiveness Scale Result CategoryAttention, sensory, social motivation Dosage/Description of Intervention1x wk x 12 weeks |