Equine-assisted therapy for children with autism
Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy on the Quality of Life of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): a Pilot Study
This study is testing whether equine-assisted therapy can improve the quality of life for children with autism aged 8 to 12 and also see how it affects their parents.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hopital La Musse Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint-Sébastien-de-Morsent) |
| Trial ID | NCT06698068 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the impact of equine-assisted therapy on the quality of life of children aged 8 to 12 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It utilizes the PedsQL™ 4.0 questionnaire to assess changes in quality of life, while also examining the effects on parents using the PAR-DD-QOL questionnaire. The study aims to qualitatively analyze improvements in communication, motor skills, and social connections during therapy sessions. As a pilot study, it seeks to establish the feasibility for a larger, more rigorous trial in the future.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8 to 12 years with a diagnosis of ASD who can participate in equine therapy.
Not a fit: Children with ASD who also have ADHD, ODD, ID, or DLD, or those with severe medical conditions or horse allergies may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly enhance the quality of life for children with ASD and their families.
How similar studies have performed: While equine-assisted therapy has shown promise in other studies, this specific approach focusing on children with ASD is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Saint-Sébastien-de-Morsent
- Hôpital La Musse — Saint-Sébastien-de-Morsent, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Héloïse BAILLET, PhD
- Email: h.baillet@hlrs-lamusse.net
- Phone: +33(0)232293047
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.