autism autism spectrum disorder
Conditions
Interventions
The intervention consists of 10 weekly Animal Assisted Intervention sessions.
Each intervention session has a duration of one hour. A therapist who is
skilled both on social work and working with ca
Sponsors
GGZ Oost Brabant (Rosmalen)
Eligibility
Age
18 Years to 99 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 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 Their age is between 18-60. The WAIS-III or WAIS-IV score > 80. Participants suffer from stress (PSS > 20), and overal psychological distress (SCL-90 > 133).
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Psychosis and suicide risk When participants are allergic to dogs, when they have fear of dogs or when they can expres serious aggression towards the dog. Aversion towards dogs Use of medicin that involves the ingredient cortison. Change in medication or treatment Active psychosocial treatment
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Self reports on perceived stress: Scores on the PSS Overal psycholoical distress: scores on the SCL-90-R Self confidence rates: Scores on the RSES Characteristics of ASD: Scores on the SRS-A Physiological stress: Salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase and heart rate variability | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Qualitative observations of social behavior: the social behavior list Explorative: For the intervention group: Physiological stress: Salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase and heart rate variability at session 5 Proces evaluation: Questions after AAI is completed | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed