Dierondersteunde interventie voor volwassenen met autisme

Abstract

This article is based on the thesis in which the eff ects of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) were explored on, amongst others, self-perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and social communication in adults with autism and an average to high intelligence (Wijker, 2022). AAT is a structured, goal-oriented intervention in which a trained animal plays an integral role. Participants received 10 weekly one-on-one AAT sessions guided by a certified psychologist. The aim of the AAT was to reduce stress and improve social and communication skills. This research shows that 1) after AAT participants experience significantly lower self-perceived stress, agoraphobia, and depression, and informants of AAT participants report significant improvements in social responsiveness, such as social awareness and social communication, 2) that AAT is rated as highly feasible and relevant by both participants and therapists, and 3) that AAT may be effective in generalizing learned skills to participants’ daily lives. Because of its clinically relevant effects and remarkable adherence, AAT can be regarded as a promising therapy for stress-related outcomes, such as anxiety and depression and social awareness and communication in this population. More research however is needed on the effects of AAT in the ASD population and with larger sample sizes.