Understanding Autism in EAS: Effective Strategies for Success
1 CE or 1 DE per PATH Intl.
🚨 This is a 48 hour rental only.
Instructions for how to access will be sent to the email provided at checkout. Simply log on to our educational platform to come and go from the content for 48 hours only.
Abstract: Horses can be incredible partners in success for participants with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This success can also come with some difficulties along the way. This presentation will aim to explain the differences in learning that those with Autism experience and how that impacts their relationship with their horses and instructors. We will explore communication differences, sensory experiences and complex behaviors that are sometimes seen in the barn environment. We will investigate various adaptations and simple, effective ways to help participants with ASD reach new heights with their equine partners.
Objectives:
- What is ASD?: Understanding Core Symptoms
- Precautions and Contraindications for EAS
- Communication Differences and Strategies for EAS
- Understanding “Behaviors”: Functions of Behavior
- Understanding Stimming in the EAS environment
- Understanding Meltdowns in the EAS environment
Presenter: Dr. Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI
Education Coordinator at HETRA
Dr. Kaiti Otte is a licensed occupational therapist and CTRI at HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Center). She has a background in pediatric clinical therapy, specializing in hippotherapy the last 8 years. She is the Lead Therapist at HETRA, training and managing a staff of 11 full and part time therapists. She is also the Education Coordinator at HETRA, where she is responsible for mentoring professional students and producing content for HETRA University, the educational arm of HETRA. She has coordinated the efforts to produce numerous educational webinars, host live HETRA University workshops and produce HETRA’s exclusive educational podcast, “Not Just a Pony Ride”. In 2025, she was honored to be named the PATH Intl. Region 7 ‘Credentialed Professional of the Year’.
