The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on prosocial behavior and emotional regulation in children with developmental delay, behavioral concerns, or autism spectrum disorder. Service dog use in the pediatric population who have these concerns is increasing and more studies are indicated to determine best practice for incorporating canines into traditional therapy sessions to enhance therapeutic outcomes. The hypothesis for this study is that inclusion of the canine will enhance therapy sessions and produce a lasting effect on prosocial behavior and emotional regulation after AAT sessions have concluded.
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Targets of interaction during AAT sessions
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Human Interactive behaviors during AAT sessions
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Social Communication
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Environmental Interactions
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Emotional Displays
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Verbal Emotional Displays
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Interfering Behaviors
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Human canine interaction
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Affection
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Laughing
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Petting
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Play
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Fetch
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Hide and Seek
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Puzzles
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Care
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Brush
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Walking
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Communication
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Name
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Command
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Verbal Affirmation
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Comfort
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Head
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Face
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Back
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Belly
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Ears
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Hugs
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Kiss
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Treat
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Floor
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Laying
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Withdrawal
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Moves Away
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Hides
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Crying
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Saying "No!"
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Frequency
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Duration
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Intensity
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Talk
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Gestures
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Look
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Touch
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Affection
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Prosocial
Timeframe: During weekly animal-assisted therapy sessions from enrollment to the end of treatment between 6 to 52 weeks
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Timeframe: The initial SDQ is completed at the beginning of the study and the follow-up version is completed every 4 weeks and at the end of the study.
Positive and Negative Affect Scale
Timeframe: The PANAS is administered weekly from the start to the end of the study.