Effects of Dog Assisted Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Animal-Assisted Interventions

Background:

• Stress-related disorders like depression and anxiety are prevalent in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Effective, targeted treatments for these conditions in the ASD population remain understudied.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social communication and interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of animal assisted therapy (AAT) as a treatment for stress-related outcomes in adults with ASD.
• To evaluate AAT's impact on perceived stress, anxiety, agoraphobia, social awareness, and communication in adults with ASD.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 53 adults diagnosed with ASD and normal to high intelligence.
• Participants were allocated to either an animal assisted therapy (AAT) intervention group (N=27) or a waiting list control group (N=26).
• Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 10-week follow-up to assess treatment effects.

Main Results:

• High adherence to the AAT program was observed among study participants.
• Animal assisted therapy (AAT) demonstrated clinically relevant positive effects.
• Significant reductions in perceived stress and agoraphobia symptoms were noted in the AAT group.

Conclusions:

• Animal assisted therapy (AAT) involving dogs is a viable intervention for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• AAT can effectively reduce perceived stress and agoraphobia symptoms.
• The therapy also shows promise in enhancing social awareness and communication skills in adults with ASD.