Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Animal Assisted Therapy (Dogs) as a useful intervention for emotional and behavioral difficulties and sleep disturbances in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder |
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| Contribution code | D3.030 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Introduction: Findings revealed a highly connected and interpretable network between emotional and behavioral difficulties and sleep problems in children with autism. Aims: The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of an animal assisted therapy together with cognitive behavioral therapy program on behavioral and emotional regulation in and sleep disturbance in children diagnosed with ASD. Methods: The current study was composed of 72 children between 6 and 11 years old diagnosed with ASD with communication level of simple sentences, mild-moderate difficulties in behavioral and emotional regulation and sleep disturbances. Assessment included K-BIT, ADOS-2, Bruni scale, BRIEF-2, and dysregulation profile of Achenbach scale. Participants were randomized into two groups: experimental group and control group. A program of 12 sessions focusing sleep disorders and emotional and behavioral regulation was designed. A pre-post and 3 months follow up evaluation was performed. Results: 84% were boys, with a mean age of 8 years old. IQ=99. Positive and significant correlation was shown between sleep disturbance and emotional regulation (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Better improvements were observed in experimental group on emotional and behavioral difficulties, significant differences were observed between groups (p < 0.05). The same trend was observed in sleep problems (p < 0.05). Conclusions: To conclude, although it is a pilot study, CBT as a structured group therapy in addition with AT can make a difference in behavioral and emotional impairments and sleep disorders in children with ASD. |