TITLE:
Canine Assisted Occupational Therapy: Protocol of a Pilot Randomised Control Trial for Children on the Autism Spectrum
AUTHORS:
Jessica Hill, Jenny Ziviani, Judy Cawdell-Smith, Carlie Driscoll
KEYWORDS:
Animal Assisted Therapy, Animal Welfare, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Canine Assisted Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Treatment Protocol
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.9 No.3,
July
17,
2019
ABSTRACT: Autism spectrum disorder is a
neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties with communication,
social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviours. For children with
this disorder, the ability to engage with people and activities, and to
participate in everyday occupations is compromised. Animal assisted therapy has
been proposed as an intervention modality to facilitate development of an
individual’s social behaviours such as engagement and attention. In spite of
the increasing evidence showing the positive impact animal assisted therapy can
have for children on the autism spectrum, there remain no universal standards
or formalised guidelines for ethical practice with either the clients or the
therapy dogs involved. The proposed pilot randomised control trial aims to
determine the impact of canine assisted occupational therapy on the on-task
behaviours and overall goal attainment of children on the autism spectrum, as
well as consider the impact that being involved within therapy sessions has on
the therapy dog.