A Case Study of Animal-Assisted Therapy on the Human Relationships, Language Use, and Behavioral Interactions of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This study is a single case study that analyzed the effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on a 5-years-old male child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder class II. To verify the analysis, the Korean Childhood Autism Rating Scale Second Edition (K-SCAR 2), which measures the degree of autism, and the EHWA – Check List for Autistic Children (E-CLAC) scale, which is a behavioral development evaluation scale, were used. The AAT program consisted of a total of 12 sessions, for 50 minutes per session, and was carried out once a week for 12 weeks. As a result of the therapy, the autistic child showed increases in the frequency of word use along with increased language use and behavioral interactions. A K-SCAR 2 test was carried out and the results indicated that the child’s autistic condition had improved from severe autism to moderate autism bordering on minor autism. The E-CLAC indicated that the ability of the child to socially interact had improved as his human relationships were improved and the frequency of language use had increased. In conclusion, the results of this experiment indicated that when AAT was implemented with a child with autism spectrum disorder, the level of autism was lowered, while his human relationships improved as well as his language and use behavioral interactions.