The human-animal bond has existed and been documented on for centuries, and the use of animals in the healthcare setting has steadily increased since the 1980s. Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to improve aspects of occupational functioning and performance skills in children with ASD, ADHD, CP, Down syndrome, and other varying diagnoses, although little research is available for canine-assisted therapy (CAT) in the outpatient pediatric setting. The purpose of this project was to assess the effects on occupational performance of children engaging in a CAT program. Ten clients regularly engaged in CAT at a rate of once per week during occupational therapy sessions. Surveys were completed for each of the ten clients, as well as 11 other clients who interacted with the therapy dog during various therapy sessions. Of all the surveys completed, 75% of respondents reported that the presence of the therapy dog positively impacted the client's session. A qualitative question on the survey resulted in five major themes relating to the therapy dog: the therapy dog (a) improved client motivation or participation; (b) calmed or provided emotional regulation; (c) improved attention and/or social skills; (d) positively impacted sensory skills; or (e) positively impacted motor skills. Overall, the results from this project indicate that a CAT program can positively impact a client's occupational functioning, potentially allowing children to meet goals and develop skills at a faster rate.

Creator

• Keefer, Kelsey

Contributors

• Fogo, Jennifer

Publisher

• University of Indianapolis

Language

• en

Identifier

• Keefer.Kelsey Final Paper PDF.pdf

Keyword

• Occupational Therapy

• Health Sciences

Date created

• 2018-05

Rights statement

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/