IMPROVING MOTOR COORDINATION AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM THROUGH EQUINE ASSISTED THERAPY

Abstract

A study is conducted to evaluate the effects of equine-assisted therapy on children with autism, which focuses on motor coordination and social development. Motion capture analysis is applied. Significant improvements in stride length are observed in the riding group. As a result, better balance, posture, and movement are achieved. However, no comparable progress is observed in the nonriding group, although physical exercises are performed. Therefore, the observed effects are attributed to equine-assisted therapy rather than general physical activity. The pedagogical curriculum test of psychological and social skills evidenced significant gains in communication, self-care, occupation, and socialization for the riding group and no measurable changes for the non-riding group. These findings suggest that equine therapy has some remarkable rewards on motor and social development in children with autism, though further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these results