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An Experimental Analysis of the Effects of Therapeutic Horseback Riding on the Behavior of Children with Autism

Hyman, Sarah R.
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Abstract
The current study experimentally evaluated the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on the behavior of children with autism using a multiple baseline across participants design and a wait-list control group for comparison purposes. Participants were observed weekly in an after school program during four center-based activities and during therapeutic horseback riding lessons. They were also observed during home visit probes throughout the study. Self-report data as well as parent surveys were used to corroborate direct observation methods. Time-series results indicate that despite anecdotal parent reports of improvements, therapeutic horseback riding did not have an effect on affect, language, off-task behavior, compliance, or problem behavior; however, participants' posture did improve. The current study supports the claims that therapeutic horseback riding does not meet the criteria for evidence-based practices. Implications for this study within evidence-based practices, single-case design, and therapeutic horseback riding literature are provided, as well as directions for future research.
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Date
2012-12-31
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Publisher
University of Kansas
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Keywords
Behavioral sciences, Alternative treatments, Single-case design, Therapeutic horseback riding
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