Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy on the Quality of Life of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Launched by HOPITAL LA MUSSE · Nov 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how equine-assisted therapy (working with horses) can improve the quality of life for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Researchers want to see if these sessions help not only the children but also their parents. They will measure this by using specific questionnaires that ask about how the children and parents feel before and after the therapy. The study will involve 20 children aged 8 to 12 who have been diagnosed with ASD and can follow instructions during the therapy sessions.

Participants in the trial will engage in 15 equine therapy sessions over 7 to 8 weeks, with each session lasting an hour. Activities will include grooming horses and spending time with them, which helps in emotional expression and social skills. Parents will receive detailed information about the study, and they must agree to participate by signing a consent form. The study aims to gather information that could lead to larger research in the future, and participants can choose to leave the study at any time if they wish. Overall, this trial hopes to show positive changes in the children's well-being and their parents' quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children aged between 8 and 12 years.
• • Diagnosed with ASD by a doctor.
• • Able to participate in equine therapy sessions.
• • Capable of understanding instructions during equine therapy sessions.
• • Affiliated with the social security system.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children with ASD associated with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and/or ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and/or ID (Intellectual Developmental Disorder) and/or DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) with comprehension impairments.
• • Ongoing equine-assisted therapy interventions.
• • Other severe medical conditions that may impair participation in sessions.
• • Allergies to horses.