Leanne O Nieforth, A J Schwichtenberg, Marguerite E O'Haire
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引用次数: 0
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.
期刊介绍:
The Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders publishes original articles that provide critical reviews of topics across the broad interdisciplinary research fields of autism spectrum disorders. Topics range from basic to applied and include but are not limited to genetics, neuroscience, diagnosis, applied behavior analysis, psychopharmacology, incidence, prevalence, etiology, differential diagnosis, treatment, measurement of treatment effects, education, perception and cognition. Topics across the life span are appropriate. In addition, given the high rates of comorbid conditions, the interface of sleep disorders, feeding problems, motor difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, depression and other disorders with autism spectrum disorders are appropriate. The Journal aims for an international audience as reflected in the editorial board.