CSUTop story
CSU study finds kids with autism had bigger stress drops in therapy with horses
The study followed 72 children through 10 weeks of therapy
- 72
- children enrolled, ages 6 to 11
- 10 weeks
- of occupational therapy
- 2
- stress markers measured in saliva
Sources: Sterling Journal-Advocate, northfortynews.com
If you've heard that horses help children with autism, there's now data behind it. Colorado State University researchers measured two markers in the saliva of 72 children, cortisol and alpha-amylase. North Forty News reports the children were split into two groups, one with horse-assisted therapy and one in a conventional clinic.
Researchers say lower cortisol paired with rising alpha-amylase may reflect excitement and positive engagement. The Temple Grandin Equine Center has locations in Fort Collins and Denver.
“That power of the horse-human interaction for autistic children has often been referred to as 'magic,' but this study provides empirical data to support and explain how interacting with horses impacts autistic children physiologically.”
Caiti Peters, CSU assistant professor and study co-author
- Cortisol: fell in both groups, fell more with horses
- Alpha-amylase: rose during sessions in both groups
- Where: Temple Grandin Equine Center, CSU Spur campus in Denver
- Published in: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
20 minutesfor alpha-amylase to return toward baseline after sessions
Alpha-amylase rose during therapy in both groups, then settled back toward baseline within 20 minutes. Researchers say that pattern suggests the children's bodies recovered.
Source: Sterling Journal-Advocate
