Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA.
OTJR (Thorofare N J). 2020 Jul;40(3):190-202. doi: 10.1177/1539449220912723. Epub 2020 Apr 6.
Despite growing prevalence, research investigating occupational therapy incorporating horses for youth with autism is limited. This study aimed to (a) pilot a screening, evaluation, and intervention protocol of occupational therapy in an equine environment and (b) assess preliminary effects on occupational performance goals, behavior, and social functioning of youth with autism. A multiple baseline single-case experimental design was used. Six youth with autism participated in a no-treatment baseline phase and 10 weeks of intervention. Therapists implemented the intervention with 95% fidelity. Per parent report, participants improved in occupational performance goals, social motivation, and communication; four demonstrated decreased irritability and hyperactivity. This research operationalizes a screening, evaluation, and intervention protocol for occupational therapy in an equine environment, and demonstrates it may improve occupational, behavioral, and social outcomes for youth with autism. Next steps include manualizing the intervention, refining feasibility measures, and implementing a randomized controlled efficacy study.
尽管患病率不断上升，但针对自闭症儿童的马术职业疗法研究仍然有限。本研究旨在：(a) 为马术环境中的职业疗法试行筛选、评估和干预方案；(b) 评估其对自闭症儿童职业表现目标、行为和社会功能的初步影响。本研究采用多基线单案例实验设计。六名自闭症儿童参与了无治疗的基线阶段和十周的干预。治疗师以 95%的保真度实施干预。根据家长报告，参与者在职业表现目标、社会动机和沟通方面有所改善；四人表现出易怒和多动减少。本研究将马术环境中的职业疗法筛选、评估和干预方案付诸实践，并证明其可能改善自闭症儿童的职业、行为和社会结果。下一步包括制定干预方案、完善可行性措施以及实施随机对照疗效研究。
