Although this study included multiple evaluators of outcome variables, the study results are limited by rater bias because
raters were not blinded to participants’ intervention condition and by the use of a single parent/legal guardian report for the ABC-C self-regulation measure. An additional limitation is the lack of a more powerful randomized controlled design and a standardized THR intervention protocol. The preliminary nature of this investigation also leaves a number of questions unanswered that could affect conclusions drawn from these data. Results reported above have not been corrected for multiple comparisons using a Bonferoni or similar correction. Because this was a pilot study, the primary outcome measure was the ABC-C, but there were several exploratory measures included. Due to the preliminary nature of this study, it was not clear at the time of design how many measures one should correct for, and so it was decided to not apply any corrections. The reader, therefore, is advised to interpret the statistical results accordingly. It is conceivable that the documented effects may not only be induced by THR therapy, but also may be the result of regular intensive interactions in a small group activity setting or that merely interacting with animals in a regular controlled environment could result in similar behavioral improvements. It is also conceivable that the modality that truly elicits improvement in behavior is the mechanical movement (i.e., sensory feedback) that occurs during riding. Of further note, this study does not address the long-term therapeutic effects of THR interventions. These questions require further study in order to fully evaluate the specificity and lasting effects of THR interventions. The authors of this paper are currently conducting a
randomized control study to investigate changes in self-regulation behaviors, motor skills, language ability, and social skills that includes a larger sample size, more extensive outcome measures, and raters blinded to intervention condition.
Determining how the basis of the human–animal interaction via THR is helpful to individuals with an ASD has farreaching
implications for the quality of life in this population. Further examination of the impact of THR on skills such as communication and social deficits in children with an ASD is warranted. Other future study considerations include using a
standardized THR intervention protocol and a fidelity measurement tool. A clearly defined and empirically supported THR
curriculum manual could inform the over 700 PATH International member centers and other providers who work with ASD
children. Such a curriculum would sharpen the delivery of THR, allowing THR programs to intervene in a manner that could ellicit significant and, perhaps, long-term change for this ASD population
Although this study included multiple evaluators of outcome variables, the study results are limited by rater bias becauseraters were not blinded to participants’ intervention condition and by the use of a single parent/legal guardian report for the ABC-C self-regulation measure. An additional limitation is the lack of a more powerful randomized controlled design and a standardized THR intervention protocol. The preliminary nature of this investigation also leaves a number of questions unanswered that could affect conclusions drawn from these data. Results reported above have not been corrected for multiple comparisons using a Bonferoni or similar correction. Because this was a pilot study, the primary outcome measure was the ABC-C, but there were several exploratory measures included. Due to the preliminary nature of this study, it was not clear at the time of design how many measures one should correct for, and so it was decided to not apply any corrections. The reader, therefore, is advised to interpret the statistical results accordingly. It is conceivable that the documented effects may not only be induced by THR therapy, but also may be the result of regular intensive interactions in a small group activity setting or that merely interacting with animals in a regular controlled environment could result in similar behavioral improvements. It is also conceivable that the modality that truly elicits improvement in behavior is the mechanical movement (i.e., sensory feedback) that occurs during riding. Of further note, this study does not address the long-term therapeutic effects of THR interventions. These questions require further study in order to fully evaluate the specificity and lasting effects of THR interventions. The authors of this paper are currently conducting arandomized control study to investigate changes in self-regulation behaviors, motor skills, language ability, and social skills that includes a larger sample size, more extensive outcome measures, and raters blinded to intervention condition.Determining how the basis of the human–animal interaction via THR is helpful to individuals with an ASD has farreachingimplications for the quality of life in this population. Further examination of the impact of THR on skills such as communication and social deficits in children with an ASD is warranted. Other future study considerations include using astandardized THR intervention protocol and a fidelity measurement tool. A clearly defined and empirically supported THRcurriculum manual could inform the over 700 PATH International member centers and other providers who work with ASDchildren. Such a curriculum would sharpen the delivery of THR, allowing THR programs to intervene in a manner that could ellicit significant and, perhaps, long-term change for this ASD population
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