Equine-Assisted Activities (EAAs) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Positive Effects Revealed Using an Ethological Approach

Equine-assisted activities (EAAs) are considered a suitable innovative rehabilitative practice for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While standardized scales have been previously used as tool to evaluate the effects of EAAs on different domains functioning in ASD children, few studies an ethological approach means describe human–horse interactions context ASD. In this study, we aimed behavior 19 ASD, comparison typically developing (TD), during EAA sessions. We developed ethogram from video recordings assess spatial relationships, social interactions, and communicative behaviors displayed by child toward horse, well occurrence problem behaviors. Results indicate that children’s sessions modulated sex age, while previous experience appeared improve interpersonal distance horse handling. study highlight importance exploring behavioral responses animal-assisted through direct measurements. This may allow linking quality/strength child–horse relationship benefits obtained child, particularly social/communicative domain, core symptom