The goal of this project is to quantify the unique benefits of integrating horses in occupational therapy compared to occupational therapy in a clinic (i.e., OTEE HORS vs. OT Clinic) for improving self-regulation in youth with ASD.
To address both aims we will randomize 64 youth with ASD ages 6-11 years old to OTEE HORS or OT clinic.
Specific Aim 1: Examine the preliminary efficacy of OTEE HORS compared to OT Clinic on self-regulation. Hypotheses: The OTEE HORS group will demonstrate significantly larger improvements than the OT Clinic group in five domains of self-regulation (hyperactivity \[primary\], irritability, emotional reactivity, dysphoria, and individual goal attainment).
Specific Aim 2: Identify potential physiological mechanisms that explain how integration of horses in occupational therapy impacts self-regulation in youth with ASD. Hypotheses 2A \& B: The OTEE HORS group will demonstrate significantly larger decreases in salivary cortisol after each 60-minute therapy session and after the 10-week treatment course in comparison to the OT Clinic group. Hypotheses 2C \& 2D: The OTEE HORS group will demonstrate significantly greater increases in salivary alpha-amylase after each 60-minute therapy session, and significantly greater decreases in salivary alpha-amylase over time as measured after the 10-week treatment course in comparison to the OT Clinic group. Exploratory Hypothesis 2E: Changes in physiological measures will significantly correlate with changes in Aim 1 behavioral measures.
