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A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
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Animal-assisted therapies for autism
Anna Beavers1, Antoinette Fleming2, Jeffrey D Shahidullah2
1Department of Pediatrics, Dell Children's Medical Group, Austin, TX, USA.
Current Problems in Pediatric and Adolescent Health Care
|November 23, 2023
Summary
Animal-assisted therapy offers benefits for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This overview provides pediatric practitioners with research summaries and practical takeaways for advising families on this complementary treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Behavioral Science
- Animal-Assisted Interventions
Background:
- Animal-assisted therapies (AAT) are recognized for treating emotional-behavioral conditions.
- AAT is increasingly integrated into interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- ASD affects 1 in 36 children, highlighting the need for effective early interventions.
Conclusions:
- Animal-assisted therapy can be a valuable complementary approach for children with autism spectrum disorder.
- Pediatric practitioners should be informed about AAT research to guide families effectively.
- Further research is needed to explore specific AAT applications and long-term effects.
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