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Autism and Equine-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Mapping Review

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Abstract

This systematic mapping review mapped current knowledge of equine-assisted interventions for people with autism to help guide future practice and research. Thirty-three studies including children and adolescents with autism, 3 of which confirmed diagnoses, were reviewed. Five types of equine-assisted activities were identified across 25 studies, with reported improvements in behavior, social interaction, and communication. Four types of equine-assisted therapies were identified across 8 studies, with reported improvements in motor control and self-care. Different approaches to therapeutic riding and hippotherapy, the most studied interventions, were evident. While this literature reflected early scientific development, it offered broad proof of concept that equine-assisted interventions can benefit children and adolescents with autism. Promising outcomes support continued investigation focused on standardization, appropriateness, and efficacy.

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Acknowledgments

This manuscript is based on and expands upon a Master’s Thesis conducted by the first author. Portions of the results have been presented at the conference meetings of the Society for the Study of Occupation, the American Hippotherapy Association, and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl.

Funding

This study was funded by the Carl and Caroline Swanson Foundation.

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WW was the PI of the larger systematic mapping review for all populations, and contributed to development of this manuscript. BCM led data collection and analysis of the papers related to autism spectrum disorders, and took a lead role in development of this manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to B. Caitlin McDaniel Peters.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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McDaniel Peters, B.C., Wood, W. Autism and Equine-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Mapping Review. J Autism Dev Disord 47, 3220–3242 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3219-9

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