Background: In Ireland today, there are a number of charity organisations which provide assistance dogs to children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These dogs are specifically-trained to support children with ASD to manage challenges associated with the disorder and to facilitate the development of skills in areas such as emotional regulation, sensory processing, social interaction and independence. While anecdotal evidence suggests significant benefits, there is limited research which identifies the specific impacts of assistance dogs in the development of competencies in these areas and how such impacts translate to changes in occupational performance across a variety of contexts and environments.
Aims:
-Identify the impact of having an assistance dog in the development of competencies in areas such as emotional regulation, sensory processing, attention and focus, social engagement and independence in children with ASD.
-Identify how the development of competencies in these areas translates into improved occupational performance across a variety of environments such as home, school and the community.
-Explore parent perspectives of the perceived benefit that receiving an assistance dog has on their child’s development.
-Contribute to existing research in this area in order to inform future healthcare practices and policies, particularly within the field of occupational therapy.
Hypotheses:
-Having an assistance dog contributes to the development of competencies in areas including emotional regulation, sensory processing, attention and focus, social engagement and independence in children with ASD.
-The development of competencies in these areas leads to improved occupational performance in a variety of contexts and environments.
-Parents of children with ASD who have an assistance dog perceive that it provides benefits in their child’s development.