Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that affects a person's social interaction and communication. This disorder is mainly characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication and limited behaviors. Difficulty with social interaction means that someone will have difficulty communicating their feelings/emotions, understanding how others feel or think, developing peer relationships, and understanding nonverbal behaviors (eye gaze, facial expressions, etc.). Difficulty with communication will vary from individual to individual. Some individuals will develop expressive language, while others will not. The speech of those who develop expressive language will often be repetitive, mechanical, and meaningless. They may have difficulty taking turns in the conversation and staying on topic. Those individuals who do not develop expressive language typically do not use other modalities to communicate, such as pointing or gestures. The final characteristic of autism spectrum disorder is having repetitive behaviors or activities. Typically, children on the spectrum play with their toys in unusual ways or prefer only one toy, movie, or activity. Changes in the daily schedule are difficult for children on the spectrum to accommodate; these children usually like the same daily schedule. Bass, Duchowny, and Llabre (2009) state, “It is possible that animal-assisted activities provide a multisensory environment that will prove beneficial for children with profound social and communication deficits.” Macauley and Gutierrez (2004) state: Today, in the United States, people's use of horses can be classified into two main categories: equine-assisted activities and equine-assisted therapy. Equine-assistance...... half of the document ......the reasons for this study concerned the age group (6-8). Also, only looking at children with autism. Other children with motor and sensory impairments may benefit from the same horseback riding program. Works CitedBass, M., Duchowny, C., & Llabre, M. (2009). The effect of therapeutic horseback riding on social functioning in children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 39(9), 1261-1267.Macauley, B.L., & Gutierrez, K.M. (2004). The effectiveness of hippotherapy for children with language learning difficulties. . Communication Disorders Quarterly, 25(4), 205-217.Wuang Y, Wang C, Huang M, Su C. The effectiveness of the simulated riding program for development in children with autism. Quarterly adapted physical activity [serial online]. April 2010;27(2):113-126. Available from: PsycINFO, Ipswich, MA. Accessed March 19, 2012