Exploration of the effects of AAT in adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (because this study has an explorative character, there is no hypothesis formulated)
ID
Bron
Aandoening
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Animal Assisted Therapy
Dogs
Stress
Ondersteuning
Open University: Prof. Dr. M. J. Enders-Slegers and Dr. T. Verheggen
Autismekenniscentrum: Dr. A. A. Spek
Onderzoeksproduct en/of interventie
Uitkomstmaten
Primaire uitkomstmaten
Stress (self-reported, salivary measurements, heart rate variablity measurements)<br>
Psychological distress (self reported)<br>
Self-confidence (self reported)<br>
Autistic traits (self reported)<br>
Achtergrond van het onderzoek
Adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience high psychological distress. In literature, two treatments are described where research has shown a reduction of comorbid symptoms in adults with ASD sush as anxiety and depression. For this reason, it is of great importance to develop new interventions and to examine the effectiveness of those interventions on reducing comorbid symptoms in adults with ASD.
The present exploratory study is conducted in adults with ASD. The study aims to provide insight into the effects of AAT.
The AAT intervention consists of ten, weekly one-on-one sessions in presence of a dog. The results of the AAT are compared with a randomized waiting list control condition. Participants in this study are randomized after the baseline measurement and equally distributed towards the AAT or waiting list control condition.
Doel van het onderzoek
Exploration of the effects of AAT in adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
(because this study has an explorative character, there is no hypothesis formulated)
Onderzoeksopzet
Baseline
Post intervention (10 weeks)
Follow-up (20 weeks)
Onderzoeksproduct en/of interventie
The AAT program exists of ten weekly one-on-one sessions, with a duration of 60 minutes per session. The therapist follows a strict therapy protocol. The therapy dog that is present in the therapy sessions is a trained service dog from the Dutch foundation ‘Hulphond’. The therapy dogs are under supervision of a dog trainer and have regular veterinary check-ups. Participants work together with a therapydog on exercises under supervision of the therapist.
Algemeen / deelnemers
Wetenschappers
Belangrijkste voorwaarden om deel te mogen nemen (Inclusiecriteria)
A primary diagnosis within the autism spectrum is required for participation in the study. The participants must be diagnosed through, a semi-structured interview based on the DSM-V criteria and the ADI-R
Age between 18-60.
WAIS-IV score > 80.
Participants suffer from stress (PSS > 20), and overal psychological distress (SCL-90 > 133).
Belangrijkste redenen om niet deel te kunnen nemen (Exclusiecriteria)
Psychosis
High Suicide risk
Fear of dogs
Medicin that involves the ingredient cortison
Involving other treatment than AAT during the 20 weeks of research
Opzet
Deelname
Opgevolgd door onderstaande (mogelijk meer actuele) registratie
Geen registraties gevonden.
Andere (mogelijk minder actuele) registraties in dit register
Geen registraties gevonden.
In overige registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| NTR-new | NL4054 |
| NTR-old | NTR5938 |
| Ander register | CMO regio Arnhem-Nijmegen : 2014-292 |