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Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
to Enhance Social Functioning
in Children with Autism
Emma Clapp
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Outline
• Problem-Framing
• Research
• Product
• Dissemination
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LEND Competencies
• Competency 1: Family-Centered Practice Demonstrate an awareness/sensitivity to the impact of
disability on family
• Competency 5: Research and Critical Thinking Critically review literature
Demonstrate skills in access/utilization of electronic
information, resources, and databases
Demonstrate verbal presentation skills including the use of
PowerPoint
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Problem-Framing
• Children with Autism may have a difficult time
communicating their needs and/or engaging with others
• Many families seek out interventions and resources geared
toward enhancing social development
• By helping children with Autism to further develop their
communication and engagement skills, they may be able to
better foster relationships
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Outline
• Problem-Framing
• Research
• Product
• Dissemination
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Research Question
• Can Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy help to
enhance social functioning for children
diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum?
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Research Methods
• Literature Review
• Informal Interviews with Professionals
• EAP Session Observations at Equine
Therapeutic Connections
• IRB Consideration
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What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?
• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a collaborative
effort between a mental health professional and a horse
handler working with clients (and horses) to address
treatment goals
• EAP is not therapeutic riding or hippotherapy
• Clients engaged in EAP are asked to interact with the horse
within a safe, enclosed setting
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The EAP Process
• Goal development guides the therapeutic process
• EAP professionals believe clients can learn about
themselves and others by participating in activities with
horses
• Mental health professionals engage clients with questions
about the experience (when appropriate)
• “What do you think the horse is feeling?”
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Tasks Involved in EAP
• EAP is individualized to help clients with their specific
goals
• EAP sessions are designed to symbolize “real life”
experiences
• Clients are asked to make choices and problem-solve
• Common tasks are: selecting a horse, helping to “dress”
the horse, walking, brushing, and guiding
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Literature Review
• Four qualitative research studies
• Studies assessed social functioning following ongoing
EAP sessions (Programs ranging from 5-10 weeks)
• Study samples were between 15-60 participants
• Children and adolescents ages 5-17
• Data collection involved pre, mid, and post surveys
completed by parents
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Literature Review Key Findings
• Parents reported some measurable growth for their
children following the EAP programs
• Survey results showed that 33% percent of the children
involved showed improvements in sociability
• This growth included decreased levels of violent and
aggressive behaviors, enhanced ability to spend time away
from parents, and greater ability to communicate needs
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Future Research Needed
• Research on the influence of EAP on the social
functioning of children with Autism is limited
• In order to better understand its purpose and
proper implementation, future research is needed
• While current research provides a foundation of
knowledge, this intervention still needs to be
better explored
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Informal Observations and Participation
My learnings:
• As an informal interviewer
• As an observer
• As a participant
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Outline
• Problem-Framing
• Research
• Product
• Dissemination
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Product
• Brochure that describes EAP and outlines possible
intervention outcomes for children with Autism
• Provides a clear description of the EAP process
and treatment goals
• Not intended to “sell” EAP, but rather to provide
families and professionals with information
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Outline
• Problem-Framing
• Research
• Product
• Dissemination
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Dissemination
• EAP brochures were distributed to graduating
social work students
• Presentation regarding the use of EAP for future
clients
• Feedback: “A niche intervention but a very
important one for families looking for options”
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Conclusion
• Children with Autism may benefit from Equine-
Assisted Psychotherapy
• More conclusive research is still needed
• As with all interventions, it may work for some
and not for others
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References
Anderson, S., & Meints, K. (2016). Brief Report: The Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities on the
Social Functioning in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of
Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(10).
Borgi, M., Loliva, D., Cerino, S., Chiarotti, F., Venerosi, A., Bramini, M., Cirulli, F. (2015).
Effectiveness of a standardized Equine-Assisted Therapy program for Children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(1).
Fundamentals of EAGALA model practice (7th ed.) (2012). Equine Assisted Growth and Learning
Association
Van Den Hout, C., & Bragonje, S. (2010). The effect of Equine-Assisted Therapy in children with
Autism Spectrum Disorders. Vrije University.
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Questions?