EFFECTIVENESS OF AN ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY PROGRAM IN ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER This poster presents the results of a randomized controlled trial that explores the effects of Animal Assisted Therapy with dogs on adults with an autism spectrum disorder. The results are part of a PhD study that includes more outcome variables that are still in the data analyzing phase. Authors: C. Wijker, Msc, GGZ Oost Brabant, Dr. R. Leontjevas, Open University, Fac. Psy. & Edu. Sc., Dr. A. A. Spek, Autism Expertise Center, Prof. Dr. M. J. Enders-Slegers, Open University, Fac. Psy. & Edu. Sc.

Introduction & Methods High functioning adults with ASD: Highly prevalent comorbid stress-related outcomes Highly understudied effective treatments No studies of AAT in literature What are the effects of an AAT program with dogs on: Perceived stress Psychological symptoms Self-esteem Impairments in social responsiveness So why did we start this project. Effective treatments of highly prevalent stress-related outcomes such as depression and anxiety are understudied in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In children with ASD positive effects are documented on stress, social communication after AAT. The effects of AAT on adults with ASD had never been studied before. This is the first randomized controlled study that explores the effects of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) with dogs on perceived stress, psychological symptoms, impairments in social responsiveness, and self-esteem in adults with ASD. A randomized controlled trial with baseline (after baseline, 53 participants were randomized into the intervention group (N=27) or waitinglist control group (N=26)). After ten weeks (post-intervention), and after 20 weeks a follow-up measurement was conducted, including the same questionnaires as baseline.

Results Mixed models accounting for repeated measurements showed that AAT reduced perceived stress and agoraphobia in participants. Furthermore, informants reported a reduction in participants’ problems in social awareness and social communication. Models did not show effect difference for the ten-week follow-up. No significant AAT effects were shown on self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), self-reported SRS-A, and SCL-90-R total score. Adherence rate was very high (98%) compared to other ASD studies (62-92%).

Interpretation First RCT that demonstrated benefits of AAT in high functioning adults with ASD: Clinically relevant effects Remarkable adherence (98%) AAT can be regarded as a promising therapy for stress-related outcomes in this population More research is needed on the effects of AAT in the ASD population and with larger sample sizes The remarkable adherence to the therapy program by study participants and the program’s clinically relevant effects indicate that AAT with dogs can be used to reduce perceived stress and symptoms of agoraphobia, and to improve social awareness and communication in adults with ASD with normal to high intelligence. More research is needed on the effects of AAT in the ASD population and with larger (and more diverse) sample sizes. For example to understand why we did find effect on self perceived stress, informant rated social responsiveness. And why we did not find any effect on the self-esteem questionnaire and the self-rated social responsiveness.

Contact E-mail: c.wijker@ggzoostbrabant.nl