Animal-Assisted Therapy in Pediatric Autism Spectrum Disorders

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Status: Completed

Conditions: Developmental Delay (Disorder); Pediatric Autism; Behavioral Concerns

Treatments: Behavioral: animal assisted therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06687850

#2201382953

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on prosocial behavior and emotional regulation in children with developmental delay, behavioral concerns, or autism spectrum disorder. Service dog use in the pediatric population who have these concerns is increasing and more studies are indicated to determine best practice for incorporating canines into traditional therapy sessions to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The hypothesis for this study is that inclusion of the canine will enhance therapy sessions and produce a lasting effect on prosocial behavior and emotional regulation after AAT sessions have concluded.

Full description

Investigators are determining if a child's verbality affects interaction with the canine or changes the effect of animal-assisted therapy on prosocial behavior and emotional regulation in autistic children.

Enrollment: 13 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 3 to 21 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Referred to the program for ASD diagnostic evaluation based on their development and behavior. Could have ASD, developmental delay, or behavioral concerns.

Exclusion criteria

• Afraid or allergic to canines

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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13 participants in 1 patient group

A therapy/service canine was used during therapy sessions

Experimental group

Description:

The canine was included during therapy sessions and the effect of the canine on children with varying verbality was examined both during and after sessions

Treatment:

Behavioral: animal assisted therapy