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Evidence Based Research

Research

Canine Comprehension Literature Reviews

ASD Literature Review

ASD Literature Review

How does Animal Assisted Therapy Positively Affect Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Human & dog connection Literature Review

Human & dog connection Literature Review

How can animal assisted therapy improve self-confidence and communication skills in individuals with anxiety-related conditions?

AAT as an intervention during COVID-19 lockdowns Literature Review

AAT as an intervention during COVID-19 lockdowns Literature Review

Would AAT be effective as an intervention to engage students with school after the decline in well-being from COVID-19 lockdowns?

Program Evaluations

Program Evaluation and Evidence

Program Evaluation and Evidence

An explanation of our evaluation process

Articles

Randomised control traials: Evidence from published systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials (RCT).  

The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy on the anxiety and school attendance of students with disabilities

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of animal-assisted therapy on the anxiety and school attendance of students with disabilities in a middle school language and learning disabled classroom.

 

Mindfulness practices with and without a dog.

The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore children’s experiences of learning mindfulness in school, with and without a dog.

 

Friesen, L. Exploring Animal-Assisted Programs with Children in School and Therapeutic Contexts. Early Childhood Educ J 37, 261–267 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-009-0349-5

Animal-assisted programs, particularly those involving therapy dogs, are increasingly popular in educational and therapeutic settings, offering children physiological, emotional, social, and physical support. This article highlights the benefits and concerns associated with such programs, emphasizing the unique role of therapy dogs as non-judgmental companions providing valuable social and emotional support to children in these environments.

 

Klink, L.M. (2019) The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy on the anxiety and school attendance of

students with disabilities Theses and Dissertations. 2669. 

This study aimed to examine the impact of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety and school attendance among students with disabilities in a middle school language and learning disabled classroom, using a single-subject design with ABAB phases. Participants engaged in animal-assisted therapy during science class, with anxiety levels assessed using Ottawa-Georgia stress scales and attendance tracked via daily rosters. Findings indicate a reduction in anxiety levels and improved attendance with high satisfaction reported among students for the use of animal-assisted therapy.

 

Lloyd, J. & Sorin, R. (2014) Engaging the imagination: The effect of the Classroom Canines program on

reading and social/emotional skills of selected primary school students.

This study explored the effectiveness of the Delta Society Classroom Canines™ program in enhancing reading and social/emotional skills among selected students in a Queensland primary school. Utilising both quantitative and qualitative data, including reading scores, attendance records, observations, and interviews, findings suggest positive impacts on student motivation, reading proficiency, confidence, and self-esteem.

 

Articles that mention research

Grové, C. & Henderson, L. (2018, March 20). Therapy dogs can help reduce student stress, anxiety and improve school attendance.

 

Dogs - our best friends when it comes to mental health therapy

Dogs may be a better ‘therapist’ for young people when they are part of a psychotherapy session rather than a waiting-room companion

The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy on the anxiety and school attendance of students with disabilities

The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy on the anxiety and school attendance of students with disabilities

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of animal-assisted therapy on the anxiety and school attendance of students with disabilities in a middle school language and learning disabled classroom.

Dogs - our best friends when it comes to mental health therapy

Dogs - our best friends when it comes to mental health therapy

Dogs may be a better ‘therapist’ for young people when they are part of a psychotherapy session rather than a waiting-room companion

Mindfulness practices with and without a dog.

Mindfulness practices with and without a dog.

The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore children’s experiences of learning mindfulness in school, with and without a dog.

IAHAIO research the Meaning and Motivation of Children Participating in AAI

IAHAIO research the Meaning and Motivation of Children Participating in AAI

The purpose of this research is to explore the meaningfulness and motivation animal-assisted therapy interventions provide for pediatric clients when compared with traditional occupational therapy treatment.

IAHAIO research AAI for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

IAHAIO research AAI for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Our survey of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) offered by French intervention facilities aimed to examine and describe the range of AAI for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children.