Animal assisted therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders : perspectives of parents/guardians and therapists

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of parents and therapists with respect to perceived effects of animal assisted therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders. The therapists recruited involved one therapist practicing canine assisted therapy, and another practicing equine assisted therapy. This study provides preliminary indications of how incorporating therapeutic animals in therapy sessions may affect children with autism. This study investigated and compared canine assisted therapy and equine assisted therapy, and how this service delivery may improve the children’s well-being and motivation. Background. The current study explored the relationship between animal assisted therapy and children with autism spectrum disorders. To date, there has been little local research addressing how animal assisted therapy, being with dogs or horses, affects children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Individuals with autism are characterized by challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication, pragmatic skills and repetitive behaviours. Animal Assisted Therapy is used to help children with autism to learn empathy, communication and gain social skills, while also learning to manage their behaviour. Methods. A mixed methods approach was applied, collecting data through a questionnaire, which was completed by seventeen participants, and a focus group in which three caregivers participated. Two separate groups were drawn, one being for the parents/caregivers and therapists of children attending canine-assisted therapy, and another for the parents/caregivers and therapists of children attending equine-assisted therapy. Similarities and differences with respect to the different therapies were highlighted through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results. The results demonstrated that the bond between the child and the therapeutic animal directly influences the child’s motivation to participate in therapeutic intervention. Parents and therapists believe that animal assisted therapy positively effects feelings of anxiety, self-esteem, behaviour, attention, and communication. They further reported that the children were more attentive when guided by a therapeutic animal, in comparison to a traditional therapy session.