The effects of animal assisted interventions on children with autism during the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2)

Abstract

The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is rapidly increasing. Due to the unique needs of children with ASD, therapeutic services may be sought to improve daily living skills and motor skills. In addition to deficits in communication and language abilities, as well as repetitive, stereotyped behaviors and interests, behavior problems and a lack motivation can be present in anyone with ASD. These characteristics may create unforeseen obstacles and challenges for a therapist or researcher during a motor skills evaluation. In various settings the use of an animal assisted intervention (AAI), commonly introducing a therapy dog to a familiar or stressful situation, has been shown to be beneficial in increasing engagement and attention while decreasing disruptive behaviors and physiological This study was exploratory in nature and therefore, no predications were made. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of a therapy dog on children with ASD during a standardized motor skills assessment. Specifically, Total Test score of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2 (MABC-2), heart rate and percentage of time engaged and off task during the assessment were monitored for this study. This study employed an ABA design, in which seven boys with ASD (10.3 + 1.1 years) completed the MABC-2 three times - twice without a therapy dog present (A) and once with a therapy dog present (B). While no significant statistical differences were found among baseline and intervention conditions, the slight emergence of common themes could be seen in qualitative reports. Older participants had a decreased heart rate and percentage of time off task whereas younger participants had an increased heart rate and percentage of time off task with the therapy dog present. While generalizations cannot be made, future studies should aim to increase the number of participants to observe if the therapy dog effects score, heart rate or percentage of time spent engaged and off task during a motor skills assessment.