Developing and Testing a Mobile Application for Autistic Children Participating in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program at a Midwestern Equine Assisted Service Center: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

A potential approach to translating benefits acquired from therapeutic horseback riding (THR) sessions into the daily routines of autistic children is by involving parents as co-interventionists through the utilization of digital technology. In this three-phase exploratory sequential mixed methods study, we develop and test a parent-mediated mobile application complementing a THR program for autistic children. Qualitative interviews informed the digital tool’s development, followed by a quantitative assessment of usability and social validity. Findings present proof of concept, indicating that participants perceived the parent-mediated mobile application as useful and user-friendly. This article contributes to mixed methods literature a pioneering approach in the field of THR incorporating subjective and objective assessments into the development and evaluation of the parent-mediated mobile application.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05689541.