Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

4-16-2026

Faculty Mentor

Bodie Zesarae

Abstract

Communication Culture: Visual Supports and Staff Education in Therapeutic Riding Equine-assisted therapy (EAS) has been shown to improve engagement, social interaction, and communication in individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities by creating natural, motivating opportunities for participation. A doctoral capstone project was completed in partnership with Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding (CATR) to utilize EAS alongside visual supports with the goal of increasing communication, engagement, sequencing and independence among student riders with diverse communication abilities. Deliverables included communication boards, PECS cards, visual schedules, and First-Then-Next boards to support task sequencing, communication and participation during therapeutic riding sessions. Staff education was also provided to instructors on appropriate use of visual aids and the use of person-centered, inclusive terminology. Therapeutic riding instructors (n=7) completed pre- and post-intervention surveys assessing confidence in implementing developed visual supports and using appropriate terminology when referring to student riders. All therapeutic riding instructors reported high levels of confidence in effectively utilizing visual aids during unmounted and mounted riding lessons. Findings suggest that the incorporation of visual supports in equine-assisted therapy may enhance rider engagement, communication, and independence. This project highlights the role of occupational therapy in promoting accessible communication and participation within therapeutic riding settings.

Ganz, J. B., Pustejovsky, J. E., Reichle, J., Vannest, K. J., Foster, M., Pierson, L. M., Wattanawongwan, S., Bernal, A. J., Chen, M., Haas, A. N., Liao, C. Y., Sallese, M. R., Skov, R., & Smith, S. D. (2023). Participant characteristics predicting communication outcomes in AAC implementation for individuals with ASD and IDD: a systematic review and meta- analysis.  Augmentative and alternative communication (Baltimore, Md. : 1985), 39(1), 7–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/07434618.2022.2116355

Srinivasan, S. M., Cavagnino, D. T., & Bhat, A. N. (2018). Effects of Equine Therapy on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Review journal of autism and developmental disorders, 5(2), 156–175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-018-0130-z

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