Occupational therapy incorporating dogs for autistic children and young people: Parent perspectives

Abstract

Introduction Dogs may elicit positive therapy outcomes for children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known about the parent perspectives of the use of dogs as part of an occupational therapy program for ASD. This study aimed to explore parent perspectives about the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) component of the occupational therapy intervention their child/adolescent received across five weekly sessions. Method Using a phenomenological approach, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents (13 mothers and four fathers) following an AAT occupational therapy program. Thematic analysis was conducted. Results Three themes were identified relating to the value parents attributed to the AAT occupational therapy program with dogs for their child/adolescent: 1. Stress and anxiety management; 2. Participation and engagement and 3. Social communication. Positive outcomes identified by parents included the dogs being a calming influence and facilitating the participation of their child/adolescent in life-skill activities. Conclusion Parents valued AAT occupational therapy involving dogs. Future studies should investigate how to best target this occupational therapy approach for autistic children and adolescents.

Cognitive Function and Participation of Stroke Survivors Living With Companion Animals: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Many older adults in the Western world live with a companion animal (CA) , such as a dog, cat, bird, or small mammal, 5 and therapists have shown interest in involving animals in therapeutic processes. 6 However, few studies have addressed the benefits of CAs for stroke survivors. Johansson et al 7 examined the effects of living with a CA on the physical, psychological, and social aspects of stroke recovery.…”

Analysis of the moderating effect of music therapy on autism in the context of big data

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