Social Development of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder During Dog-Assisted Therapy: A Detailed Observational Analysis.

Carolien Wijker,Ruslan Leontjevas,Annelies Spek,Steffie Van Der Steen,Marie-Jose Enders-Slegers

doi:10.3390/ijerph17165922

Abstract

Social communication and self-esteem are often affected in adults with autism spectrum disorder. Implementation and evaluation of interventions targeting social skills are challenged due to specific characteristics of autism. Intensive, valid evaluation of social skills programs is needed. In this explorative multiple case study, we examined effects and working mechanisms of dog-assisted therapy on social communication and self-esteem, by analyzing detailed observations with Monte Carlo permutation tests (testing against 10,000 random samples) and using self- and other-reports in N=6 high-functioning adults with ASD. Results showed significant positive effects on secure body posture. There was an indication of improved self-esteem and more spontaneous touching of the dog, while no convincing increase was found for verbal initiatives. Cross-correlation analyses revealed that touching the therapy dog may be an important determinant to elicit social development in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). Considering preliminary results, we recommend exploring underlying mechanisms more thoroughly with real-time observations, accounting for possible gender-effects.

Highlights

Problems in social functioning and negative social experiences are common in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1]
It is important to realize that implementing learned social skills into daily life can prove challenging, due to multiple characteristics of ASD [6,7]
The current study shows Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) to be a promising intervention for increasing confidence and self-esteem in adults with ASD

Summary

Introduction

Problems in social functioning and negative social experiences are common in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1]. This poses high risk for social isolation, poor self-esteem, stress and depression [2,3,4]. To reduce these problems, several social skills interventions have been developed, mostly for children and young adults with ASD (e.g., PEERS) [5]. It is important to realize that implementing learned social skills into daily life can prove challenging, due to multiple characteristics of ASD [6,7]. The execution and outcomes in ordinary life may be quite different from the more controlled setting

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