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Home / Equine Research Bank / Rev J Autism Dev Disord / Animal-Assisted Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: ...
Review journal of autism and developmental disorders2021; 10(2); 255-280; doi: 10.1007/s40489-021-00291-6

Animal-Assisted Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Literature from 2016 to 2020.

Abstract: In the last five years, the literature on animal-assisted intervention (AAI) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has doubled in size from 42 studies prior to 2015 to 85 studies (cumulative total assessed in 2020). Horses remain the most commonly researched animal for AAI, followed by dogs. The most commonly researched outcome was social interaction, across 21 studies. Though the quantity of studies has increased, issues with methodological rigor remain. Results highlight the need for a continued focus on methodological rigor as well as refining the structure of animal-assisted interventions, addressing the welfare needs of the animals involved, and continuing to establish an evidence base of both significant and nonsignificant findings for AAI for individuals with ASD.
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Publication Date: 2021-09-30 PubMed ID: 37313251PubMed Central: PMC10259834DOI: 10.1007/s40489-021-00291-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article provides an updated review of literature from 2016 to 2020 on the use of animals, particularly horses and dogs, in interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Despite an increase in studies, the need for methodological improvements and considerations for animal welfare remain crucial.

Study Sample and Analyzed Data

  • The study conducted a systematic review of the literature on Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from the past five years. A total of 85 studies on the subject, which is a substantial increase from the previous literature that existed prior to 2015, were analyzed.
  • Horses and dogs were the most commonly utilized animals in these interventions, and the most common objective of these studies was examining their effects on social interaction – this area of focus was apparent in 21 of the studies.

Findings of the Study

  • The results of the review revealed that while the number of studies on this subject has grown significantly, the quality of the research method is still lacking in many cases. The researchers argue that there is a persistent need for a greater emphasis on sound methodology, even as more studies continue to explore the effectiveness of AAI for ASD.
  • Aside from methodological rigor, the research also highlighted the necessity of considering the welfare of the animals used in AAIs. It implies that any refinement or development of AAIs should incorporate appropriate care for the animals involved.
  • Building an evidence base for AAI was also identified as a key area for future research. This includes collating both significant and nonsignificant findings of AAI for individuals with ASD to provide a more holistic understanding of the utility of these interventions.

Conclusion and Recommendations

  • The study concludes that while there has been progress in research on AAIs for ASD, there are still many areas that could be improved. In particular, the methodological rigor of these studies needs to be addressed, and considerations for animal welfare must also be factored into the development of AAIs.
  • Moreover, it recommends an enhanced focus on building an evidence base of AAI’s potential and limitations to further assess its effectiveness for individuals with ASD.

Cite This Article

APA
Nieforth LO, Schwichtenberg AJ, O'Haire ME. (2021). Animal-Assisted Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Literature from 2016 to 2020. Rev J Autism Dev Disord, 10(2), 255-280. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00291-6

Publication

Review journal of autism and developmental disorders
ISSN: 2195-7185
NlmUniqueID: 101711616
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
Pages: 255-280

Researcher Affiliations

Nieforth, Leanne O
  • Center for the Human Animal Bond, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
Schwichtenberg, A J
  • Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
O'Haire, Marguerite E
  • Center for the Human Animal Bond, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.

Grant Funding

  • TL1 TR002531 / NCATS NIH HHS

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have no conflicts of interests to declare that are relevant to the content of this article. On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Tepper D, Shnookal J, Howell T, Bennett P. Can Interacting with Animals Improve Executive Functions? A Systematic Review.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 23;13(13).
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