ABSTRACT
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is emerging as an option to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been proposed that AAT can assist individuals with ASD to develop sensory and social skills, manage problem behaviors, and improve quality of life. Characteristics of individuals with ASD can include: lack of social and communication abilities; aversion to change; low adaptability; difficulties in developing, maintaining, and understanding relationships; deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication; insistence on sameness; restricted and fixed interests; and hyper- or hypo-reactivity to sensory input. Research into equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) for individuals with ASD has shown promising results although there is a limited evidence basis at this stage. The importance of the human–animal bond is of increasing interest in animal-assisted therapy research showing contact with animals can increase relaxation and health as measured by a number of physiological measures including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxytocin levels.
