Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy on the Physical Function and Communication of Adults With Autism

Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy on the Physical Function and Communication of Adults With Autism: a Controlled Trial.

The aim is to evaluate the effects of a dog-assisted therapy program on physical function and communication in a sample comprised of 24 adults with autism spectrum disorder. The sample will be divided into 2 groups, a control group and an experimental group. Changes after 10 weeks (20 sessions) will be compared between-groups.

The intervention program will consist of 20 sessions conducted twice a week in the facilities of the collaborator associations. Each session will be conducted in groups of 3 participants and will last 30 minutes. It will include a welcome part, a main part (based on different activities and physical exercises with the dog) and a closing part to say goodbye to the dogs.

Physical function measures will be conducted before and after the completion of the study. The interaction and communication will be assessed during the sessions in the first, tenth and last ones.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Older than 40 years
• With autism spectrum disorder
• Able to walk autonomously, without help from other people.
• Able to climb and descent stairs autonomously, without help from other people.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medical condition that contraindicates the proximity or contact with the animals with the animals on the part of the user.
• Allergy to dog epithelium.
• Phobias to dogs.
• History of aggression to animals.
• Users who do not submit a signed informed consent form.