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Curtin H, Simms CK, Kiernan D, Reilly RB, Spirtos M. The Effect of Mobility Assistance Dogs on Quality of Life in Children with Physical and Neurological Impairments. Phys Occup Ther Pediatr 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39313998 DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2024.2400344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To measure the quality of life in children with impaired walking who receive a mobility assistance dog (MAD). METHODS The parents of ten children who received a MAD completed the cerebral palsy quality of life questionnaire, before receiving their dog and at one, three, and six-month follow-up. Data were analyzed to assess changes for each participant and to the group. RESULTS The group showed a positive change in the domains of social well-being and acceptance, feelings about functioning, and emotional well-being and self-esteem after six months. Children with less impairment (GMFCS I-II) showed a change in social-wellbeing and acceptance, feelings about functioning, participation, physical health, and emotional-wellbeing and self-esteem after six months. Children with more impairment (GMFCS III-IV) showed no change at any timepoint measured. CONCLUSIONS This novel therapeutic area of receiving a MAD demonstrated some positive quality of life changes after six months for a small group of children with impaired walking. These are preliminary findings in a small sample and this intervention would benefit from further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Curtin
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering and Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- The Motion Analysis Laboratory, Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciaran K Simms
- Discipline of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering and Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Damien Kiernan
- The Motion Analysis Laboratory, Central Remedial Clinic, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard B Reilly
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michelle Spirtos
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Guay C, Abouzeid N, Forget J, Boulé M. Acceptability and effects of acquiring an assistance or companion dog for families of children on the autism spectrum. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:1687-1699. [PMID: 37354544 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2023.2227657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assistance and companion dogs have numerous positive effects for family of autistic children, such as supporting their rehabilitation and improving their quality of life. To date, very few studies have compared the effects of both types of dogs. This comparison, considering the limited access to assistance dogs, could be helpful for families wanting to adopt a dog. METHODS An explanatory sequential design with a mixed-method approach was used. First, 85 parents (nassistance dogs = 57; ncompanion dogs = 28) of children aged between 3 and 17 years old (M = 10.73, SD = 3.67) completed an online questionnaire including sociodemographic questions and the Treatment Acceptability Rating Form-Revised (TARF-R). Then, 17 of these participants (nassistance dogs = 14; ncompanion dogs = 3) completed a semi-structured interview. RESULTS The quantitative data analyses showed that parents with assistance dogs were significantly more satisfied: t (83) = -2.12, p = .037, d = 0.49. Significant associations between some sociodemographic variables (e.g., number of children, comorbid condition, reasons for acquiring a dog) and acceptability/satisfaction (TARF-R total scores) were found. The qualitative analysis revealed that families with both dog types observed positive effects. CONCLUSIONS In brief, having an assistance dog constitutes a significant added value; nevertheless, both types of dogs are appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Guay
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nadia Abouzeid
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacques Forget
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mélina Boulé
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Rodriguez KE, Rispoli M, Kelleher BL, MacLean EL, O’Haire ME. The effects of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1355970. [PMID: 38463432 PMCID: PMC10921415 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1355970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Service dogs are an increasingly popular complementary intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder. However, despite increasing demand, there remains a lack of empirical research on their potential benefits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of service dogs on children with autism and their caregivers. Methods A total of N = 75 families of children with autism were recruited from a non-profit service dog provider in the US, including n = 39 families previously placed with a service dog and n = 36 families engaging in usual care while on the waitlist. Caregivers completed an online survey containing both self- and proxy-report standardized measures of child, caregiver, and family functioning. Linear regressions modeled the relationship between service dog presence and survey outcomes, controlling for relevant child and caregiver covariates. Results Results indicated that having a service dog was associated with significantly better child sleep behaviors, including better sleep initiation and duration and less sleep anxiety/co-sleeping with medium effect sizes. However, service dog presence was not significantly related to child withdrawal, negative emotionality, emotional self-control, hyperactivity, irritability, and lethargy with small effect sizes. For caregivers, having a service dog was not significantly related to standardized measures of caregiver strain, sleep disturbance, depression, or the impact of the child's condition on family functioning with small effect sizes. Supplemental matched case-control analyses confirmed these findings. Discussion In conclusion, service dogs were found to positively impact sleep behaviors among children with autism, but may not uniformly relate to other areas of child and caregiver wellbeing. Prospective longitudinal designs, larger sample sizes able to detect small effects, and studies that measure sleep using objective methods are needed to build on these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri E. Rodriguez
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley, AZ, United States
| | - Mandy Rispoli
- School of Education and Human Development, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Bridgette L. Kelleher
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Evan L. MacLean
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley, AZ, United States
| | - Marguerite E. O’Haire
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley, AZ, United States
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Toutain M, Dollion N, Henry L, Grandgeorge M. How Do Children and Adolescents with ASD Look at Animals? A Scoping Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:211. [PMID: 38397322 PMCID: PMC10887101 DOI: 10.3390/children11020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by interaction and communication differences, entailing visual attention skill specificities. Interactions with animals, such as in animal-assisted interventions or with service dogs, have been shown to be beneficial for individuals with ASD. While interacting with humans poses challenges for them, engaging with animals appears to be different. One hypothesis suggests that differences between individuals with ASD's visual attention to humans and to animals may contribute to these interaction differences. We propose a scoping review of the research on the visual attention to animals of youths with ASD. The objective is to review the methodologies and tools used to explore such questions, to summarize the main results, to explore which factors may contribute to the differences reported in the studies, and to deduce how youth with ASD observe animals. Utilizing strict inclusion criteria, we examined databases between 1942 and 2023, identifying 21 studies in international peer-reviewed journals. Three main themes were identified: attentional engagement and detection, visual exploration, and behavior. Collectively, our findings suggest that the visual attention of youths with ASD towards animals appears comparable to that of neurotypical peers, at least in 2D pictures (i.e., eye gaze patterns). Future studies should explore whether these results extend to real-life interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Toutain
- CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)—UMR 6552, University Rennes, Normandie University, F-35000 Rennes, France; (L.H.); (M.G.)
| | - Nicolas Dollion
- Laboratoire C2S (Cognition Santé Société)—EA6291, Université Reims Champagne-Ardenne, F-51100 Reims, France;
| | - Laurence Henry
- CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)—UMR 6552, University Rennes, Normandie University, F-35000 Rennes, France; (L.H.); (M.G.)
| | - Marine Grandgeorge
- CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine)—UMR 6552, University Rennes, Normandie University, F-35000 Rennes, France; (L.H.); (M.G.)
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Nieforth LO, Rodriguez KE, O’Haire ME. Benefits and challenges of mobility and medical alert service dogs for caregivers of service dog recipients. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 18:743-751. [PMID: 34077328 PMCID: PMC10520918 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2021.1916630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mobility and medical alert service dogs are an assistive technology for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. Informal caregivers of individuals with disabilities are subject to physical and emotional stress due to their responsibilities. Understanding how service dogs, an increasingly common assistive technology, may add to or subtract from caregiver stress is crucial for promoting caregiver well-being. The purpose of this study was to analyze caregiver accounts to understand their perspective on benefits and challenges they face with mobility and medical alert service dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Open ended survey responses from 117 caregivers of service dog recipients (N = 72 with a service dog, N = 45 on the waitlist) were analysed through a conventional content analysis. RESULTS Four major themes were found regarding caregiver and service dog: Family Benefits, Caregiver Benefits, Assistance Through Service Dog's Training, and Drawbacks. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that benefits and challenges of mobility and medical service dogs extend beyond the service dog recipient, affecting the caregiver and other family members as well. Future studies should further explore this interaction to determine the best way to support caregivers of individuals with disabilities.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONMobility and medical alert service dogs are increasingly partnered with individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases as an assistive technology but few studies have focussed on the experience of the caregivers of service dog recipients. Caregivers of individuals with disabilities or chronic diseases may be subject to both psychological and physiological stressors as a result of their caregiver duties.Results found that caregivers perceive both benefits to themselves and to their families in terms building a bond with the animal that helps to reduce worry and offers emotional support. The most commonly mentioned drawbacks include general maintenance of the service dog, grooming needs and travel restrictions.This research is important in order to offer appropriate support to caregivers of individuals with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne O. Nieforth
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Kerri E. Rodriguez
- Human Animal Bond in Colorado, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
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Leighton SC, Rodriguez KE, Nieforth LO, O’Haire ME. Service dogs for autistic children and family system functioning: a constant comparative analysis. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1210095. [PMID: 37520226 PMCID: PMC10373301 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1210095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Service dog placements for autistic children are growing in popularity, yet findings to date are mixed. Moreover, no study to date has examined these placements through the lens of a recognized theoretical model. The purpose of this study is twofold: to explore experiences reported by caretakers of autistic children involved in a service dog program, and to contextualize findings within an established theoretical framework. Methods A total of n = 50 caretakers of autistic children (n = 38 with and n = 12 without a service dog) were recruited through the national non-profit service dog provider Canine Companions. Participants completed an online survey through Qualtrics which asked open-ended questions about their experiences, both negative and positive. Results Constant comparative analysis identified two high level themes, nested within a family systems approach framework: (1) Enhancing social functioning of the family system unit and (2) Fostering stability and strength within family system subunits. These themes interacted holistically to foster and reinforce family system resilience. Placements led to greater social inclusion for children and their families, acted as a highly individualized intervention, and decreased experiences of judgement and stigma. Perceived as members of the family, service dogs may coregulate with the autistic child and family members and can be a source of joyful connection within the family. Discussion Results highlighted the service dog's influence on the entire family (beyond the autistic child). Implications for service dog organizations suggest it may be helpful to account for family-wide impacts throughout the placement process. High standards on the part of provider organizations may minimize negatives, optimizing outcomes for both humans and canines. Ultimately, findings enrich our understanding of service dog interventions for autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Leighton
- OHAIRE Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kerri E. Rodriguez
- Human-Animal Bond Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Leanne O. Nieforth
- OHAIRE Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Marguerite E. O’Haire
- OHAIRE Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Futeran N, Mackenzie L, Wilkes‐Gillan S, Dickson C. Understanding the participation outcomes for persons with disability when partnered with assistance dogs: A scoping review. Aust Occup Ther J 2022; 69:475-492. [PMID: 35470459 PMCID: PMC9540062 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assistance dogs are trained to support persons living with disability and mitigate limitations that hinder their participation in everyday activities. Despite participation being a frequent challenge for people with disabilities, evidence linking assistance dog provision to improved participation outcomes is underdeveloped. This scoping review aimed to improve understanding by mapping the participation outcomes claimed in research on assistance dogs using the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), Disability and Health framework. METHODS Using the Arksey and O'Malley's six-step framework, this scoping review searched six databases. Data were collected, mapped and summarised in accordance with the domains outlined in the ICF. RESULTS In total, 38 studies across 41 papers met the inclusion criteria. Included studies investigated assistance dogs who were partnered with people living with physical disabilities, mental illness, autism and chronic conditions that require alerting (e.g., epilepsy and diabetes). Mapping of participation outcomes suggested that assistance dogs can have a positive impact on participation in many areas of daily life. CONCLUSION Findings can assist practitioners, funders and policymakers to recognise the value of assistance dogs as a support for people with disability. However, further research is needed to address limitations regarding study designs, for example, the outcome measures used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Futeran
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lynette Mackenzie
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Sarah Wilkes‐Gillan
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Claire Dickson
- Occupational TherapyAssistance Dogs AustraliaEngadineNew South WalesAustralia
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Dollion N, Grandgeorge M, Saint-Amour D, Hosein Poitras Loewen A, François N, Fontaine NMG, Champagne N, Plusquellec P. Emotion Facial Processing in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study of the Impact of Service Dogs. Front Psychol 2022; 13:869452. [PMID: 35668968 PMCID: PMC9165718 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.869452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Processing and recognizing facial expressions are key factors in human social interaction. Past research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present difficulties to decode facial expressions. Those difficulties are notably attributed to altered strategies in the visual scanning of expressive faces. Numerous studies have demonstrated the multiple benefits of exposure to pet dogs and service dogs on the interaction skills and psychosocial development of children with ASD. However, no study has investigated if those benefits also extend to the processing of facial expressions. The aim of this study was to investigate if having a service dog had an influence on facial expression processing skills of children with ASD. Two groups of 15 children with ASD, with and without a service dog, were compared using a facial expression recognition computer task while their ocular movements were measured using an eye-tracker. While the two groups did not differ in their accuracy and reaction time, results highlighted that children with ASD owning a service dog directed less attention toward areas that were not relevant to facial expression processing. They also displayed a more differentiated scanning of relevant facial features according to the displayed emotion (i.e., they spent more time on the mouth for joy than for anger, and vice versa for the eyes area). Results from the present study suggest that having a service dog and interacting with it on a daily basis may promote the development of specific visual exploration strategies for the processing of human faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Dollion
- Univ Rennes, Normandie Univ., CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine) – UMR 6552, Rennes, France
- Laboratoire d’Observation et d’Éthologie Humaine du Québec, Montréal Mental Health University Institute, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS Est), Montréal, QC, Canada
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Mira Foundation Inc., Sainte-Madeleine, QC, Canada
| | - Marine Grandgeorge
- Univ Rennes, Normandie Univ., CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie Animale et Humaine) – UMR 6552, Rennes, France
| | - Dave Saint-Amour
- Department of Psychology, Centre de Recherche en Neuroscience Cognitives, NeuroQAM, Université du Quebec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Anthony Hosein Poitras Loewen
- Department of Psychology, Centre de Recherche en Neuroscience Cognitives, NeuroQAM, Université du Quebec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Nathalie M. G. Fontaine
- School of Criminology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Pierrich Plusquellec
- Laboratoire d’Observation et d’Éthologie Humaine du Québec, Montréal Mental Health University Institute, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CIUSSS Est), Montréal, QC, Canada
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche sur le Cerveau et l’Apprentissage, University of Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Lundqvist M, Levin L, Alwin J, Nedlund A. To live with a wagging tailed assistant - Service and hearing dog ownership from the perspective of Swedish owners. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:935-946. [PMID: 32783227 PMCID: PMC8359502 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Individuals who have a functional or health impairment, are often in great need of conventional healthcare, social care and support, as well as help from family and friends. The use of dogs may be an important assistive support for this population. Assistance dogs are trained to assist with their owners' specific needs. The aim of this study is to explore service and hearing dog ownership from the owner´s perspective, by examining the owner's expectations before training a dog, and experiences after having a certified dog. This study was designed as a longitudinal intervention study with pre-post design. The participants included in the study trained their own dogs to become service or hearing dogs. A number of open-ended questions were answered by the participants before the training of the dog started, three months after the dog was certified, and 1-3 years after the first follow-up. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The participants' expectations of what the dog would contribute after being certified was high. Their perceived experiences in many ways reflected their expectations. For example, they perceived that the dog contributed to improved health status, a more active lifestyle, improved ability to feel secure, and that they had become more independent. They also felt that the dog had strengthened their social relationships. Negative experiences were also identified. Not being allowed to bring their dog into public places and negative attitudes from other people were examples of this. This study shows that individuals being supported by an assistance dog experience the dog as an invaluable help in their everyday life. By improving the owners' lives in many ways, a certified service or hearing dog is a novel and important assistive support for people with a functional or health impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lundqvist
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring SciencesUnit of Health Care AnalysisLinkoping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Lars‐Åke Levin
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring SciencesUnit of Health Care AnalysisLinkoping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Jenny Alwin
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring SciencesUnit of Health Care AnalysisLinkoping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Ann‐Charlotte Nedlund
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring SciencesUnit of Health Care AnalysisLinkoping UniversityLinköpingSweden
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Carlisle GK, Johnson RA, Wang Z, Bibbo J, Cheak-Zamora N, Lyons LA. Exploratory Study of Cat Adoption in Families of Children with Autism: Impact on Children's Social Skills and Anxiety. J Pediatr Nurs 2021; 58:28-35. [PMID: 33290937 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) occurs in one in 54 children and companion animals (CA) are common in families of children with ASD. Despite evidence of CA ownership benefits for children with ASD, little is known about cats. The purpose was to explore the impact of shelter cat adoption by families of children with ASD. DESIGN AND METHODS This was the first randomized controlled trial of adoption of a temperament screened cat by families of children with ASD. Families assigned to the treatment group adopted a cat and were followed for 18 weeks. Families assigned to the control group were followed for 18 weeks without intervention, then converted to treatment, by adopting a cat and were followed another 18 weeks. Adopted cats were screened using the Feline Temperament Profile to identify a calm temperament. Surveys measured children's social skills and anxiety and parent/child cat bonding. RESULTS Our study (N = 11) found cat adoption was associated with greater Empathy and less Separation Anxiety for children with ASD, along with fewer problem behaviors including Externalizing, Bullying and Hyperactivity/Inattention. Parents and children reported strong bonds to the cats. CONCLUSION This exploratory study found introduction of a cat into the home may have a positive impact on children with ASD and their parents. Based on this intial finding, future studies with larger sample sizes are recommended. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS If parents of children with ASD are considering cat adoption, health care providers might consider recommending adoption of a cat screened for calm temperament.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen K Carlisle
- Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, MO, USA.
| | - Rebecca A Johnson
- Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, MO, USA
| | - Ze Wang
- Educational, School and Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri, MO, USA
| | - Jessica Bibbo
- Center for Research and Education, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, OH, USA
| | | | - Leslie A Lyons
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, MO, USA
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Lindsay S, Thiyagarajah K. The impact of service dogs on children, youth and their families: A systematic review. Disabil Health J 2020; 14:101012. [PMID: 33069669 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.101012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having a service dog can help to increase independence and well-being among people with a disability or a chronic health condition. Although there has been an increasing use of service dogs among children and youth their impact has not yet been synthesized. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article was to conduct a systematic review assessing the impact of service dogs on children, youth and their families. METHODS Systematic searches of seven international databases from 1985 to 2020 led to 29 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. Using a narrative synthesis review approach we analyzed these studies regarding their sample characteristics, methods, results and quality of evidence. RESULTS There were 29 studies in our review that included 1121 children and youth (or parents representing them) that spanned across six countries over a 32-year period. Although the outcomes of the impact of service dogs varied across the studies, 23/29 of them reported an improvement in at least one of the following: physical health (i.e., diabetes management, seizure management, mobility), psychological health (i.e., quality of life, safety, behavior, stress, anxiety, self-confidence and independence), social well-being (i.e., social interactions, school and work) and dog-owner-bond. Children, youth and their parents also described several challenges in owning a service dog. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight that service dogs have potential to provide many benefits for children, youth and their families. Further research, including more rigorously designed studies, is needed to fully understand their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Lindsay
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, ON, M4G 1R8, Canada; Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Kavitha Thiyagarajah
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, ON, M4G 1R8, Canada
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Lass-Hennemann J, Schäfer SK, Sopp MR, Michael T. The Relationship between Dog Ownership, Psychopathological Symptoms and Health-Benefitting Factors in Occupations at Risk for Traumatization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E2562. [PMID: 32276495 PMCID: PMC7178020 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Individuals working in high-risk occupations (e.g., emergency staff) are exposed to high levels of occupational stress including traumatic events. Correspondingly, several studies report high rates of mental health problems among these occupations. Pet ownership has been associated with better mental health. However, to date a study on the association between pet ownership and indicators of mental health in these occupations is missing. The present cross-sectional survey (N = 580) investigated pet ownership, attachment to pets, health-benefitting factors (i.e., sense of coherence, trait-resilience, locus of control) and psychopathological symptoms (i.e., general mental health problems, posttraumatic stress, burnout) in medical staff, police officers, and firefighters. Dog owners and non-dog owners showed comparable levels of psychopathological distress and health-benefitting factors. Compared to cat owners, dog owners demonstrated stronger emotional attachment to their pet. Moreover, a stronger attachment was also linked to higher levels of psychopathological symptoms and lower levels of health-benefitting factors. However, the relationship between attachment to pets and health-benefitting factors could be explained by their overlap with psychopathological symptom levels. Overall, our findings are not in line with the notion that pet ownership generally has a health-benefitting effect. Future studies need to investigate circumstances that modulate positive effects of pet ownership.
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McCall CE, Rodriguez KE, Wadsworth SMM, Meis LA, O'Haire ME. "A Part of Our Family"? Effects of Psychiatric Service Dogs on Quality of Life and Relationship Functioning in Military-Connected Couples. MILITARY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 2020; 8:410-423. [PMID: 35316935 DOI: 10.1080/21635781.2020.1825243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have corrosive impacts on family relationships and individual functioning. Emerging evidence has shown that psychiatric service dogs may be an effective complementary treatment for military veterans with PTSD, benefiting veterans' mental and social health. However, few studies have examined the effects of psychiatric service dogs on the family members of veterans, specifically their partners. Mixed-methods data from 60 veteran-partner dyads examined individual and relationship functioning among partners of veterans paired with a service dog (service dog group; n = 37) and those awaiting placement (waitlist group; n = 23). While there were no statistically significant differences across groups, the effect sizes for group differences suggested that partners in the service dog group (relative to those on the waitlist) may experience higher levels of resilience and companionship, and lower levels of anger, social isolation, and work impairment. A topical survey of partner qualitative data within the service dog group indicated that service dogs provided more benefits than challenges. Partners reported improvements in veteran functioning, family relationships, and partners' quality of life. Results, although preliminary, suggest that psychiatric service dogs may provide modest positive experiences for some veteran family systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E McCall
- Military Family Research Institute, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Kerri E Rodriguez
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Shelley M MacDermid Wadsworth
- Military Family Research Institute, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Laura A Meis
- Center for Care Delivery & Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Marguerite E O'Haire
- Center for the Human-Animal Bond, Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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