Animal Interaction Affecting Core Deficit Domains Among Children with Autism: A Meta-Analysis

Brief Report: Above and Beyond Safety: Psychosocial and Biobehavioral Impact of Autism-Assistance Dogs on Autistic Children and their Families

“…Frequently, treatment plans not only need to address core ASD symptoms, but also a variety of co-occurring developmental, psychiatric, neurologic, or medical diagnoses that further impact daily functioning and quality of life (Masi et al, 2017 ). One approach with the potential to address a number of concerns for autistic individuals and their families is the incorporation of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) 1 into home, school, and hospital settings (Dimolareva & Dunn, 2020 ; Esposito et al, 2011 ; Johnson et al, 2002 ); several studies have reported positive effects when human-animal interactions (HAI) have been integrated into ASD therapies (Dimolareva & Dunn, 2020 ; Droboniku & Mychailyszyn, 2021 ; Funahashi et al, 2014 ; OHaire et al, 2013 ). Anecdotal accounts have also accrued attesting to the benefits of well-trained autism-assistance dogs (AADs) who engage with their human partners on a daily basis.…”