The use of dog therapy in the treatment and rehabilitation of children with autism

Abstract

Introduction. Dog therapy has a significant impact on the child’s development. Children suffering from chronic diseases requiring long-term treatment and rehabilitation are particularly responsive to therapeutic modalities involving dogs. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of dog therapy on the treatment and rehabilitation of children with autism and to assess the influence of dog therapy on behaviour and attitude changes in such children. Material and methods. The study included a group of 50 children diagnosed with autism who received dog therapy as a auxiliary treatment modality. Respondents were the children’s parents/guardians. The diagnostic survey method including an original questionnaire consisting of 22 questions relating, among other things, to the benefits and changes in the physical, psychological and social behaviour of the child resulting from the applied therapy was utilised. Results. A significant number of study participants showed positive changes in behaviour regarding each sphere of functioning. In 70% of the studied children, a decreased level of anxiety was observed in contacts with their surroundings, greater openness and trust as well as higher motivation and greater initiative in a variety of educational and therapeutic activities. Conclusions. The active involvement of a dog in the child’s development is a form of therapy and rehabilitation which has not been fully explored and appreciated. Dogs exert a positive impact on the child’s development, enhance cognitive processes and motivation, inspire the child, improve their psychosocial functioning as well as reduce stereotyped behaviours and other axial symptoms of autism. Subjective assessment and the objective results obtained in the study indicate high efficacy of dog therapy as an auxiliary method. There is a need to use and evaluate this auxiliary treatment modality in human life.