Abstract
The goal was to determine the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy on participation in therapy sessions as well as client-centered functional tasks for children with autism. We specifically looked as therapy sessions that were canine assisted and equestrian assisted therapy sessions. Children with autism experience decreased occupational performance which can lead to exclusion in society. Our study aims to determine if animal assisted therapy can prevent this from occurring. Observations as well as assessment were administered to determine the change of socialization, on task performance, quality of life, and autism symptoms. Results shown that there was an increase in socialization, on task performance and quality of life after the interventions were implemented. There was also a decrease of autistic symptoms such as hyperactivity.