Study of Equine-Assisted Therapy for Adolescents Aged 11 to 18 With Autism Spectrum Disorders and Emotion Regulation Challenges

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the cost-effectiveness of Equine Assisted Therapy EAT in adolescents aged 11 to 18 years with Autism Spectrum Disorders ASD who have difficulty regulating emotions despite regular therapy. This study uses a mixed-methods approach including a randomized multiple-baseline single-case design, a qualitative study, and a cost-effectiveness analysis to assess therapy outcomes and impact. Participants will receive 15 sessions of EAT, involving activities with or near horses but without horseback riding. After consent, participants will be randomly assigned to one of five baseline periods lasting 2 to 6 weeks to strengthen the study design. The intervention period spans approximately 15 weeks, with various assessments scheduled throughout. During the study, researchers will measure changes in emotion regulation using the Emotion Dysregulation Index three times a week over 23 weeks. Other assessments include quality of life, autism symptom severity, self-esteem, global functioning, goal attainment, and family functioning at multiple time points up to one year after starting therapy. Therapists will also monitor adherence and progress during sessions. Participants safety and medication stability will be monitored throughout the study.

Equine-assisted Therapy for Therapy-resistant Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders, a Replicated AB-design