Volitional Change in Children With Autism: A Single-Case Design Study of the Impact of Hippotherapy on Motivation

Abstract

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. Using the Pediatric Volitional Questionnaire, two occupational therapists rated the three participants’ volition at three timepoints—before, during, and after the hippotherapy program. Visual analysis of the data using methods derived from single-subject design research revealed an increase in participants' volition over time. The study provides preliminary evidence that improved volition may be an important and under-recognized benefit of hippotherapy for children with autism.