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Case Reports
. 2024 Mar 1;49(3):31-39.
doi: 10.1097/01.NPR.0000000000000151.

Animal-assisted therapy in pediatric autism spectrum disorder: A case report

Michele Kilmer, Minju Hong, Danielle Randolph, Allison Reichel, Sarah Huetter, Madelyn Bowden, Clay Kilmer
Case Reports

Animal-assisted therapy in pediatric autism spectrum disorder: A case report

Michele Kilmer et al. Nurse Pract. .

Abstract

The use of therapy or service dogs to assist children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing in clinical settings. Research studies indicate that children with ASD display enhanced prosocial behavior and emotional regulation when canines are included in therapy. Despite increased application of animal-assisted therapy in clinical and inpatient settings, healthcare providers show limited understanding of best practices for its use and require a research-based approach to incorporate animals effectively into therapeutic plans of care for pediatric patients with ASD.

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References

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