Abstract
Animal‐assisted Interventions (AAIs) have been used as therapeutic interventions aimed at improving psychological well‐being, often for young people with mental health and educational difficulties. This qualitative study explored how three students (male and female), aged 12–15 and with ASD and/or ADHD diagnoses experienced AAI at an alternative education provision. Semi‐structured interviews with each participant were conducted and analysed using constructivist thematic analysis. Three themes and four sub‐themes were identified. The themes were: (1) Self‐esteem, with sub‐themes motivation and reward, and self‐awareness, (2) Emotional benefits with strategy building, and support and (3) Identification. Participants valued AAI as a positive intervention which aided their psychological well‐being. Findings emphasise the effectiveness of AAIs for young people with neurodevelopmental disorders in both a therapeutic and an educational context.
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