Dr. Padfoot

Author: Madelyn Talbert | Major: Nursing | Semester: Spring 2022

Animal Assisted Therapy has been utilized for nearly a century and consists of the use of therapeutic relationships between animal’s and the individual. The utilization of AAT within a patient’s plan of care supports childhood development in many aspects including self-regulation and social competence. While AAT has been implemented for quite some time within medicine and therapy, little is known of the long-term effects AAT can have on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or developmental delays, specifically with regards to canine intervention. The purpose of our research is to observe and analyze the short and long-term effects of AAT on prosocial behaviors in children with ASD and developmental delay.

Using canine intervention-based therapy sessions, our team will compare the use of AAT and its effects in comparison to traditional therapy techniques. A 12-week AAT program for children ages 2 to 18 years who present with ASD or DD will be implemented. Student assistants will attend their participant’s AAT sessions and collect data on the human-animal interaction between the canine and participant; noting any signs of distress and providing relief from the interaction when needed. Information gathered from this project will provide further understanding on the implications of AAT for children with ASD or DD. This project will focus on determining the sustainability of effects gained by participants, assess the overall effect of AAT on the child, and investigate protective measures to keep both the participant and the canine safe. While canine assisted therapy for children with ASD and DD is still in its early stages, this project will allow for more resources for children and families while providing alternative methods for therapy practice.

I chose our project because I have a deep passion for this community. Many children with ASD and DD do not have access to proper therapy and positive social interactions; this project will provide families with resources for alternative therapy through AAT, which can be implemented alongside traditional measures. I found Dr. Kilmer when she visited our thesis class my first semester in nursing school, after which we met privately to discuss me joining her team. Before beginning our work, I knew little to nothing about AAT- very quickly it has become a passion of my own! Throughout this semester, training Gryffin (our lovely canine) I have faced many challenges. At times, it can be difficult training such a young dog to take on such a big job. There were times when he was distressed or not focused, at which I had to learn different approaches to form an understanding and relationship between us. Through conditioning and trust exercises, we overcame these barriers and began to make progress much faster.

My team consists of Dr. Kilmer, Dr. Quetsch, and three other students from the University of Arkansas. My mentor worked to build a strategic game plan alongside Dr. Quetsch to provide our project with the best resources and a rigorous plan to improve our training sessions weekly. Also, Dr. Quetsch and Dr. Kilmer provided each of us with research measures and tools, as well as training on how to correctly implement these measures into our research.

Moving forward, we will be beginning our therapy sessions with the participants in just a few short weeks. We will begin to see Gryffin training in action and watch our hard work be implemented into the field of pediatric AAT.  I truly cannot wait to see where this project takes us from here and am extremely proud of the work this team has already achieved.