Article 1.
O'Haire, M. E., McKenzie, S. J., Beck, A. M., & Slaughter, V. (2014). Social Behaviors Increase in Children with Autism in the Presence of Animals Compared to Toys. Public Library of Science , 8 (2), e57010. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057010
The study by O’Haire et al (2014) sought to compare the impact of animals in autistic children to that of toys. The animals used in their study was the guinea pig. The participants in the study involved 99 children from 4 schools. The children were recorded in a 10-minute play session with toys as well as a different 10-minute session with guinea pigs. The behavior of the children was coded and data analyzed in a hierarchical generalized linear modeling. The results from the study show that participant with ASD exhibited approach behaviors that were social and approaches from their peers was also social in the presence of the guinea pig compared to toys. ASD revealed positive reactions by laughing and smiling and less of negative affect in the presence of animals. The research concludes that the presence of animals can considerably grow positive social behaviors in children with ASD.
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This traditional is relevant in that it documents the reaction of ASD children in the presence of animals. This information will be relevant in understanding the negative reaction that may arise as well as children that may demonstrate negative reaction. The study also finds relevance in that it compares pet therapy with toy therapy which has also been found to have a positive outcome. The study will be crucial in addressing which therapy is better outcomes. The study is also useful in that it expands goes outside the usual pets used, dogs and horse and involves the guinea pig. This will be useful in determining which pet is more suitable. The source is credible in that it has been published by the Public Library Service a peer-reviewed journal and retrieved from the PubMed database.
Article 2.
Wijker, C., Leontjevas, R., Spek, A., & Enders-Slegers, M. (2019). Effects of Dog Assisted Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders . doi:10.1007/s10803-019-03971-9
The study examined the effects of dog assisted therapy for adults with ASD. The study involved randomized control trials, post-intervention, and a 10-week follow up on 53 adults with ASD as it explored the effect of animal-assisted therapy. The participants were aged between 18 and 60 and had an average IQ of 80 or above. Considering the risk involved, the study eliminated participants with a fear of dogs, aversion to dogs, allergy to dogs and or those with suicide risk arising from participation. The study measured perceived stress, psychological and physical symptoms as well as social responsiveness. The study found that animal-assisted therapy with a dog reduced perceived stress and agoraphobia symptoms in adults with ASD. The study also found that adherence to the study was high an indication of satisfaction with the intervention. The results from the study found no significant effect of dog therapy on the self-esteem of participants.
The findings from the study are useful as they concentrate on the impact of the dog alone. The dog is a friendlier pet and the most widely used pet. The result on the impact of dog assisted therapy on the self-esteem will be important in determining the overall long-term impact of pet therapy. This will also help in examining whether pet therapy can change the social behavior ASD patient temporarily or permanently. The focus on adults is crucial on a study involving children is well informed in determining whether the children can carry with them the impact of the therapy into adulthood. The source is credible as it publishes a peer-reviewed article on autism and other developmental disorders. The study is limited in that it does not compare the outcomes with those arising from different pets.
References
O'Haire, M. E., McKenzie, S. J., Beck, A. M., & Slaughter, V. (2014). Social Behaviors Increase in Children with Autism in the Presence of Animals Compared to Toys. Public Library of Science , 8 (2), e57010. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057010
Wijker, C., Leontjevas, R., Spek, A., & Enders-Slegers, M. (2019). Effects of Dog Assisted Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders . doi:10.1007/s10803-019-03971-9
