Summary of the Systematic Review

Volitional change in children with autism: A single-case design study of the impact of hippotherapy on motivation

Renee R. Taylor ,Gary Kielhofner, Caitlin Smith, Sherri Butler, Susan M. Cahill, Monica D. Ciukaj & Melanie Gehman

Occupational Therapy in Mental Health (2009) 

Description

Autism is a prevalent developmental disorder that affects numerous aspects of a child's daily functioning, including but not limited to communication, social interaction, cognitive functioning, motor functioning, and sensation. The many impairments that characterize autism also have the potential to affect a child's volition, defined by the Model of Human Occupation as a child's interests, self-efficacy, and motivation to engage in new activities. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a 16-week hippotherapy program on the volition of three children with autism.

Profession 

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy 

Location 

USA 

Intervention Terminology

HPOT

Study Design 

Repeated-measures design study

Sample

3 children 

Age/Population

4-6 years 

Assessment/ Outcome measure tools

Pediatric Volitional Questionnaire

Result Category 

Participation

Dosage/Description of Intervention

16 weeks