Equine-assisted Therapy for Therapy-resistant Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders, a Replicated AB-design

The study has a mixed-methods strategy consisting of three elements: a randomized, multiple-baseline single-case design (n=35), a qualitative study (n=8-10) and a cost-effectiveness study (n=6). After obtaining written informed consent, participants will be randomly assigned to one of the five pre-defined baseline lengths (2-6 weeks) to increase the internal validity of the design.

• Change from baseline of Quality of life as scored on the KIDSCREEN after 15 weeks and 1 year [Срок оценки: The KIDSCREEN-27 will be assessed at baseline (T0), at week 2-6 (T1), at week17-23 (T2), week 25 (T3) and after 1 year (T4)]
• Change from baseline of severity of autism spectrum symptoms as measured on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) after 15 weeks and 1 year [Срок оценки: The SRS-2 (parents) will be assessed at baseline (T0), at week 2-6 (T1), at week17-23 (T2), week 25 (T3) and after 1 year (T4).]
• Change from baseline on the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) after the intervention after 15 weeks [Срок оценки: The GAS will be assessed in the fifth (week 7-11), tenth (week12-16) en fifteenth (week 17-23) sessions.]
• Change from baseline of self-esteem as measured on the The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) after 15 weeks and 1 year [Срок оценки: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale will be assessed at the baseline (T0), at week 2-6 (T1), at week17-23 (T2), week 25 (T3) and after 1 year.]
• Change from baseline of Global functioning as measured on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) after 15 weeks and 1 year [Срок оценки: The whole version will be assessed at baseline, short version at week 2-6 (T1), at week17-23 (T2), week 25 (T3) and after 1 year (T4).]
• Change from baseline of Goal attainment as measured on the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) after 15 weeks [Срок оценки: The therapist will assess the SRS/ORS each session (week 3-23).]
• Change from baseline of family functioning as measured on the VGFO on T3 [Срок оценки: This questionnaire will be assessed at the baseline (T0) and at week 25 (T3).]
• Change from baseline of Global functioning as measured on the Teachers Report Form (TRF) after 15 weeks and 1 year [Срок оценки: The whole version will be assessed at baseline, short version at week 2-6 (T1), at week17-23 (T2), week 25 (T3) and after 1 year (T4).]
• Change from baseline of Global functioning as measured on the Youth Self Report (YSR) after 15 weeks and 1 year [Срок оценки: The whole version will be assessed at baseline, short version at week 2-6 (T1), at week17-23 (T2), week 25 (T3) and after 1 year (T4).]
• Change from baseline of adherence as measured on the SRS after 15 weeks [Срок оценки: The therapist will assess the SRS each session (week 3-23).]