Animal Interaction Affecting Core Deficit Domains Among Children with Autism: A Meta-Analysis

Droboniku, M. J. and Mychailyszyn, M. P.

J Autism Dev Disord (2021) 51: 4605–4620

DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04891-3

Abstract

Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) has garnered public interest and has been implemented for youth with autism spectrum disorders-a practice supported by anecdotal evidence. While investigations of AAI for children with autism have been conducted, the extant literature is characterized by significant variability in methodology and practice. The present meta-analysis examines the aggregated effects of equine AAI on adaptive functioning among children with autism. Results indicated that interacting with an equine specifically during AAI produced small-to-medium effects (g = 0.40) on the adaptive functioning of children with autism. Recommendations are made for future research on this topic.

Citation

Droboniku, M. J., & Mychailyszyn, M. P. (2021). Animal Interaction Affecting Core Deficit Domains Among Children with Autism: A Meta-Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord, 51(12), 4605–4620. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-04891-3 Animals, Humans, Adolescent, Child, Horses, Animal-assisted intervention, Meta-analysis, Youth, Autism spectrum disorder, *Autism Spectrum Disorder, *Autistic Disorder

Keywords

• Animals
• Humans
• Adolescent
• Child
• Horses
• Animal-assisted intervention
• Meta-analysis
• Youth
• Autism spectrum disorder
• *Autism Spectrum Disorder
• *Autistic Disorder