autism feature
therapy dogs to help kids with autism
A research project is investigating whether using trained assistance dogs in occupational therapy sessions can help children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder .
Assistance Dogs Australia , in association with the University of Sydney , is trialling occupational therapy programs in an Australianfirst research project .
The research , funded through Scentre Group and Westfield Community Program , involves dogs who are completing their Advanced Training at the National Training School .
Seventy-five participants , aged between five and twenty , are involved in the program , with some participants selected from Assistance Dogs Australia Parents Autism Workshop Supports ( PAWS ) groups .
The trial program , which started in February , sees an occupational therapist running five sessions with a participant , the assistance dog , and the trainer of the dog . The program will focus on three interventions – Self-care ( dressing , grooming , eating ), Play ( imaginative , creative , structured , musical , interactive ), and Productivity ( social skills , gross / fine motor skills , organisation , planning ).
With the occupational therapist able to tailor sessions to individual participant ’ s needs , Assistance Dogs Australia expect that the trained dog will either be directly involved with providing therapy , or act as a calming influence during the sessions .
Occupational therapist Claire Dickson said having an Assistance Dog present in the therapy setting opens up a whole world of new ways to engage , motivate and have fun with the client .
“ I feel privileged to be able to observe the children and adolescents in our sessions as they become comfortable around the Assistance Dog , and to see their confidence build as they communicate and play with these beautiful , intuitive animals . It really is an immensely rewarding experience ,” Claire said .
“ An Assistance Dog alters the typical client-therapist relationship , teaching skills and responsibility as the child gradually becomes the Assistance Dog trainer , giving cues and rewards .”
With worldwide research indicating that companionship with assistance dogs leads to an increase in engagement of people with autism in social interaction , Assistance
Dogs Australia are expecting the project to have positive outcomes .
Assistance Dogs Australia trains and place assistance dogs with people living with disability , in order to improve their independence . Dogs involved in the program undergo two years of training at a cost of $ 30,000 per dog , and can help people living with a physical disability with tasks such as opening doors , picking up dropped items , pressing the button on traffic lights , and paying a cashier when shopping , among other tasks .
In addition to therapy dogs for people with autism , they have also trained dogs to help people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and dementia .
Results of the project are expected later this year .
26 autism feature linkonline . com . au