Occupational therapy with horses for improving self-regulation in autistic youth
Preliminary Efficacy of Occupational Therapy Integrating Horses on Self-regulation in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder
This study is testing if occupational therapy that includes working with horses can help kids with autism better manage their emotions and behavior compared to regular therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 11 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Colorado State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Denver, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT05846932 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy that incorporates horses in enhancing self-regulation among youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants aged 6-11 will be randomized into two groups: one receiving therapy with horses and the other receiving traditional clinic-based therapy. Over a 10-week period, the study will assess improvements in self-regulation and measure physiological changes through saliva samples to understand the impact of equine-assisted therapy. The research seeks to determine if integrating horses into therapy leads to greater benefits compared to standard occupational therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 6-11 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder who meet specific clinical criteria and can safely participate in horseback riding.
Not a fit: Patients who have significant horseback riding experience or a history of animal phobia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve self-regulation skills in autistic youth, enhancing their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of horses in therapy is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promising results in improving outcomes for individuals with ASD.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * meet clinical cut-offs for ASD on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition(ADOS-2) and Social Communication Questionnaire (≥ 11) * nonverbal IQ≥65 on Leiter International Performance Scale Third Edition (Leiter-3) * verbally fluent defined by meeting standard administration criteria for ADOS-2 module 3 * score \>10 on the irritability subscale of the aberrant behavior checklist * able to tolerate a helmet and ride a horse for 10 minutes while following safety rules * and able to provide a saliva sample Exclusion Criteria: * weigh more than 200 pounds * smoke or regularly use steroids * receive outpatient occupational therapy * have 10+ hours horseback riding experience in the previous 6 months * history of animal abuse or phobia of horses * have a sibling previously enrolled in the study
Where this trial is running
Denver, Colorado
- Temple Grandin Equine Center — Denver, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brittany C Peters, PhD — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Brittany C Peters, PhD
- Email: caiti.peters@colostate.edu
- Phone: 720-665-0023
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.