Abstracts Category : Other

Add abstract

Want to add your dissertation abstract to this database? It only takes a minute!

Search abstract

Search for abstracts by subject, author or institution

Share this abstract

dissertation.com
on Facebook

Social functioning in autism spectrum disorder: The effects of equine-assisted activities

by Katherine Renae McCormick

Institution:	Mississippi State University
Year:	2017
Keywords:	animal-assisted therapies; animal-assisted therapy; EAA; equine-assisted therapy; equine-assisted therapies; equine-assisted activities; therapeutic riding; social functioning; autism; ASD; autism spectrum disorder
Posted:	02/01/2018
Record ID:	2154479
Full text PDF:	http://sun.library.msstate.edu/ETD-db/theses/available/etd-03232017-125534/;

Abstract

This pilot study examined the effect of participation in an equine-assisted activities (EAA) program on the social functioning of participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pre- and post-assessments via the Naples Equestrian Challenge Participant Initial Evaluation were completed by a trained Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor prior to and at the conclusion of a 12 week EAA program. 12 individuals (75% male; <i>M</i> age = 10.8; age range 5 20 years) participated. Paired-sample t-tests were conducted to examine the impact of EAA on social functioning. Analyses revealed that involvement in the EAA program resulted in a significant improvement in social functioning, but when grouped by age (5 10 years old, 10 20 years old) the effects were not significant. Lastly, individual analyses indicated that 75% of the sample had improved social functioning scores after participation in the EAA program. Results support EAA as an effective therapy for persons with ASD. Advisors/Committee Members: Lori D. Elmore-Staton (chair), Laura Hall Downey (committee member), Julie C. Parker (committee member).