Le poney comme médiateur thérapeutique auprès d’enfants atteints de Troubles Envahissants du Développement: Essai d’évaluation clinique et perspectives

Introduction: Currently in the field of pet therapy and its various designations (animal assisted therapy, animal facilitated therapy), activities with ponies are often used as a mediated therapy in caring for children with autistic or Multiple Complex Developmental Disorders. However, the literature about equine therapy reveals a lack of rigorous research on assessing the appropriateness of such care. Aim: The objective of this study was to implement a methodology to evaluate this specific approach and to examine the effects of equine therapy in the treatment of children with pervasive developmental disorder, characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviour. Population and method: A sample of four children manifesting Pervasive Developmental Disorders was observed during their activities with ponies. They was the subject of an evaluation of their adaptive skills, using two questionnaires especially designed for the parents and the educational team, inspired by the Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS). Observations and questionnaires including the following nine areas: autonomy, motor skills, communication, comprehension, spatial and temporal abilities, initiatives and perseverance, responsibility, socialisation, and behaviour disorders. Results: The results indicate potential benefits including anxiety reduction and improved relationships and communication between the children and their environment. Positive behaviour changes like motivation, active participation, compliance with the rules and reduction in aggressive behaviour were also observed. For caregivers, equine therapy can offer wide range of experiences and a secure setting for children, which facilitate the therapeutic relationship. Conclusion: In spite of these results, future studies need to examine whether these effects carry over into other contexts, and if they persist over time. In the absence of such research, equine-assisted therapy programs are likely to continue to attract the attention of caregivers without convincing efficacy data