Animal Assisted Therapy: Publications and Research

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT): A Growing Field

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a form of therapy that involves the use of animals to help people with a variety of physical, emotional, and mental health issues. AAT has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dementia, anxiety, and depression.

Publications Related to Animal Assisted Therapy

There have been a number of publications related to AAT in recent years. A systematic literature review conducted in 2018 found that AAT is a promising intervention for children with ASD. The review found that AAT can help improve social skills, communication skills, and behavior in children with ASD.

Research on Animal Assisted Therapy

In addition to the literature review mentioned above, there have been a number of other research studies on AAT. One study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that AAT can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep in children with ASD. Another study, published in the journal The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, found that AAT can help improve fine motor skills in children with cerebral palsy.

The Research of Standardized Protocols for Dog Involvement in Animal-Assisted Therapy

One area of research in AAT is the development of standardized protocols for dog involvement. These protocols are designed to ensure that dogs are used in a safe and effective manner in AAT. One such protocol, developed by the University of California, Davis, has been shown to be effective in improving social skills and communication skills in children with ASD.

Conclusion

Animal Assisted Therapy is a growing field with a number of promising applications. The research on AAT is still in its early stages, but the results so far are encouraging. AAT has the potential to be a valuable tool for helping people with a variety of physical, emotional, and mental health issues.