RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of Equine-Assisted Therapy on the Quality of Life of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

This study is exploring whether therapy sessions involving horses can make a positive difference to the quality of life for children aged 8-12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It also aims to see if it helps their parents. Researchers will look at things like communication, movement skills, and social connections during these sessions. This initial study will involve 20 children and will take place at La Musse Hospital’s equine therapy centre. If successful, it could lead to larger studies to confirm these findings. The goal is to understand if spending time with horses in a structured way can improve daily life for these children and their families.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hopital La Musse

Enrolment target

Start

12 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

30 Nov 2025

Equine-assisted Therapy Children Autism Spectrum Disorder Quality of Lifte

What is this study about?

Imagine spending time with friendly horses as a way to feel better and improve your daily life. This study is exploring exactly that for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aged between 8 and 12 years old. The researchers want to understand if taking part in horse-assisted therapy can make a real difference to their well-being, including how they communicate, move, and connect with others. They also want to see if this therapy can make life better for the children's parents too, as having a child with ASD can bring its own challenges.

This is a pilot study, which means it’s a small, initial step to see if this type of therapy works and if it's practical to study on a larger scale. The feedback from this study could help design bigger research projects in the future that might include more children and different locations. For this particular study, 20 children will receive therapy at a specialised centre, and their progress will be carefully observed.

The hope is that participating children will show improvements in their overall quality of life and in specific areas like social interaction and movement. Parents will also be asked about their own well-being to see if the therapy has a positive knock-on effect. The findings from this study, even if small, could be really important in understanding new ways to support children with ASD and their families.

Key takeaways

This study explores horse-assisted therapy for children with autism.
It aims to improve quality of life for children and their parents.
Children aged 8-12 with a diagnosed ASD can participate.
Participation involves 15 horse therapy sessions over 7-8 weeks.
It's a pilot study, meaning a small initial step for future research.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants must be children aged between 8 and 12 years old who have received an official diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from a doctor. They need to be able to take part in therapy sessions with horses and understand simple instructions given during these sessions. Also, they must be registered with the social security system in the UK.

There are certain reasons why a child might not be able to join. For example, if a child with ASD also has other conditions like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), intellectual disabilities, or severe language difficulties that affect their understanding, they wouldn't be able to participate. Children who are already receiving horse-assisted therapy or have other serious health problems that would make it difficult to attend sessions, or those with allergies to horses, would also not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is my child between 8 and 12 years old?
Does my child have a doctor's diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Can my child understand instructions and participate in activities with horses?
Does my child have any other conditions like ADHD, ODD, a learning disability, or a severe language problem affecting understanding?
Is my child currently receiving any other horse-assisted therapy?
Does my child have any serious medical conditions or allergies to horses?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you and your child decide to take part, the first step involves a phone call or a chat with a doctor to discuss the study. You’ll be given detailed information both verbally and in writing to read and think about. If you're happy to proceed, both you and your child will sign a consent form, which means you agree to participate.

Your child will then attend 15 therapy sessions with horses, usually twice a week, over a period of about 7 to 8 weeks. Each session will last for 60 minutes. These sessions will involve various activities like expressing emotions, grooming the horses, activities on foot or even riding, followed by a chat about the session. Throughout the study, at five different points, you and your child will fill out questionnaires about quality of life. The therapy team will also keep track of your child's progress during the sessions. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time if you change your mind.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study could potentially offer benefits such as improvements in your child's communication, social skills, and overall quality of life. Parents might also find that their own quality of life improves. However, as with any activity involving animals, there are some potential risks, such as minor injuries that could occur if a child is not careful around a horse, or a potential allergic reaction for those not yet aware of a horse allergy. Researchers take steps to make the sessions as safe as possible. You have the right to withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your child's medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital La Musse
Verified postcode
Saint-Sébastien-de-Morsent, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is horse-assisted therapy?

It's a type of therapy that involves interacting with horses in a structured way to help with physical, emotional, and social well-being.

How long will the study last for my child?

Your child will take part in 15 sessions, spread over about 7 to 8 weeks in total.

Do I, as a parent, have to do anything?

Yes, you will be asked to fill out questionnaires about your child's quality of life and your own quality of life at different points during the study.

Will my child be riding horses?

The sessions may include activities on foot with horses, or riding, depending on the individual child and the planned activities.

Is there any cost to take part?

The information provided does not mention any costs for participants, implying the study itself covers the therapy sessions.

How to find out more

Héloïse BAILLET, PhD

h.baillet@hlrs-lamusse.net +33(0)232293047 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.