The systematic review revealed widespread utilization of developmentally appropriate QL instruments but less frequent use of both self and proxy reports and an inconsistent approach to age group specificities .
Research on the quality of life ( QL ) of children/adolescents with psychological disorders has flourished over the last few decades .
Given the developmental challenges of QL measurements in pediatric population s , the aim of this study was to ascertain the extent to which a developmental approach to  QL assessment has been applied to pedopsychiatric QL research .
Prospective trial of equine-assisted activities in autism spectrum disorder.
BACKGROUND Anecdotal reports and some studies suggest that equine-assisted activities may be beneficial in autism spectrum disorders ( ASD ) . OBJECTIVE To examine the effects ofequine-assisted activities on overall severity of autism symptoms using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale ( CARS ) and the quality ofparent-child interactions using the Timberlawn Parent-Child Interaction Scale . In addition , this study examined changes in sensory processing , quality of life , and parental treatment satisfaction . DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Children with ASD were evaluated at four time points : ( 1 ) before beginning a 3-to-6 month waiting period , ( 2 ) before starting the riding treatment , and ( 3 ) after 3 months and ( 4 ) 6 months of riding .  Twenty-four participants completed the waiting list period and began the riding program  , and 20 participants completed the entire 6 months of riding . Pretreatment was compared to posttreatment with each child acting as his or her own control . RESULTS A reduction in the severity of autism symptoms occurred with the therapeutic riding treatment . There was no change in CARS scores during the pretreatment baseline period ; however , there was a significant decrease after treatment at 3 months and 6 months of riding . The Timberlawn Parent-Child Interaction Scale showed a significant improvement in Mood and Tone at 3 months and 6 months of riding and a marginal improvement in the reduction of Negative Regard at 6 months of riding . The parent-rated quality of life measure showed improvement , including the pretreatment waiting period . All of the ratings in the Treatment Satisfaction Survey were between good and very good . CONCLUSION These results suggest that children with ASD benefit from equine-assisted activities
The systematic review revealed widespread utilization of developmentally appropriate QL instruments but less frequent use of both self and proxy reports and an inconsistent approach to age group specificities .
Research on the quality of life ( QL ) of children/adolescents with psychological disorders has flourished over the last few decades .
Given the developmental challenges of QL measurements in pediatric population s , the aim of this study was to ascertain the extent to which a developmental approach to  QL assessment has been applied to pedopsychiatric QL research .