6.5 Multidimensional Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder Assistance Dogs on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder assistance dogs (AADs) are highly-skilled service animals trained primarily to ensure the safety of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by preventing elopement. Although many families attest anecdotally to the psychosocial and biobehavioral benefits of their AADs, quantitative empirical support for these reports is lacking. We addressed this gap using validated clinical, behavioral, and physiological measures. Thirteen families were recruited from the waitlist of an accredited assistance-dog training organization. To apply for an AAD, children must have a confirmed ASD diagnosis and live within the state, and families must be physically and financially able to assume responsibility for the dog after certification. Final analyses included pre/post-AAD data from 11 triads (child-AAD-parent/handler), and behavioral features of children based on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Autism Spectrum Quotient-Child (AQ-Child). To examine parental stress and family experiences, parents completed the: Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI); State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI); Autism Family Experience Questionnaire (AFEQ); and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Pre/post-AAD hair/nail samples were collected to measure pre-/postchronic cortisol concentration for both parents and children. Parent data revealed reductions in levels of experienced and perceived stress on: the PSS (F1,10 = 10.318, p = 0.009); the APSI (F1.9 = 9.348, p = 0.014); Trait Anxiety on the STAI (F1.10 = 7.14, p = 0.023); and the AFEQ, Total Score (F1.10 = 35.386, p < 0.001). Child data showed a reduction in problem behaviors and ASD symptom severity: AQ-Child (F1,10 = 8.103, p = 0.017); CBCL Total Problems (F1,10 =14.852, p = 0.003); SRS-2 Total (F = 5.405, p < 0.042). CCC levels decreased for the subset of participants from whom we were able to collect pre/post-AAD hair/nail samples: parents (F1,5 = 20.852, p = 0.006) and children (F1,4 = 30.600, p = 0.005). Our findings demonstrate that, in addition to enhancing child outcomes, the integration of well-trained AADs can impact families positively across multiple domains of health and function. Mechanisms of action are considered within the context of a dynamic biopsychosocial framework.