OBJECTIVE: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, that compromising social interaction and communication by restriction of activities and interests. The aim was to investigate the influence of dance, and Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) in children with ASD. METHOD(S): A sample of 45 participants were allocated into three intervention groups (Dance, EAT, Dance and EAT), randomly distributed and going through twenty-four sessions (one-hour, twice a week) in each group (n = 15 subjects each). Pre and post-treatment were carried out using the Functional Independence Measure, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale. RESULT(S): Dance improved functional independence (p = 0.03), communication (p = 0.01), and psychosocial adjustments (p = 0.02). Functioning was improved on Dance group after intervention (p = 0.04). Intergroup analysis evidenced significantly greater improvements in classification of functioning in Dance and EAT group (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION(S): Contact and relationship with horse is an activity that is part of rehabilitation process. Corporal dialogue happens when the body dances can open the possibility of new ways that help the individual to live and to deal with the different and differences.

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