Skip to main content

ETHNOS_APP

Home • Search • Journals • List 0

Benefits and Challenges of Assistance Dogs for Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum

Mothers' Perspectives

Bibliographic Data

ID4638765
AuthorsDana Hellings (Curtin University), Annette Joosten (0000-0003-4722-1081, Australian Catholic University), Megan Hatfield (0000-0001-5684-135X, Curtin University, corresponding author), Julie Netto (0000-0002-7770-2428, Curtin University)
Year2022
Volume32
Issue11
Pages1648-1656
Publication date2022-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/10497323221111247
PMID35772944
OpenAlexW4283739074
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited16

Assistance dogs are a potential intervention for families of children on the autism spectrum to support participation. However, the lived experience of families with new assistance dogs has not previously been explored. This study described the expectations, benefits, and challenges of assistance dog ownership for families of children on the autism spectrum. Data were collected from four mothers through semi-structured interviews and photovoice prior to assistance dog placement and following 6 months of ownership. Findings indicated assistance dog ownership enhanced the child's self-regulation and socialization, and increased participation in daily routines. Having an assistance dog also enhanced participation in family outings and activities. Challenges included the adjustment period and the lack of public awareness of autism assistance dogs

Animal welfare · Animal-assisted therapy · Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Developmental psychology · Economic growth · Pet therapy · Photovoice · Psychiatry · Socialization · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Clinical Psychology · Family and Disability Support Research · Human-Animal Interaction Studies · Medicine · Psychology

  • The effects of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers

    Open Access•Kerri E Rodríguez, Mandy Rispoli et al.•Frontiers in Psychiatry•2024

  • Service dogs for autistic children and family system functioning

    Open Access•Sarah C Leighton, Kerri E Rodríguez et al.•Frontiers in Psychiatry•2023

  • The impact of living with assistance dog placements on quality of life in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or a physical disability

    Open Access•Emily Shoesmith, Selina Gibsone et al.•Human-Animal Interactions•2024

  • Dog-Assisted Interventions for Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders

    Open Access•Jasmin C E Erbacher, Christoph Bördlein•Research on Social Work Practice•2025

  • “Is That Really a Service Dog?”

    Open Access•Ashley Marie Guidry, Amorette Hinderaker et al.•Qualitative Health Research•2026

  • Disruptions in Transportation and Medical Care Experienced by Handlers of Assistance Dogs in Australia

    Open Access•Tiffani J Howell, Teresa Howell et al.•Anthrozoös•2024

  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

    American Psychiatric Association American Psychiatric Association, Ewer Ewer•Diagnostic And Statistical Manual…•2013

  • A Scoping Review of the Photovoice Method

    Open Access•Shalini Lal, Tal Jarus et al.•Canadian Journal of Occupational…•2012

  • Meltdowns’, surveillance and managing emotions; going out with children with autism

    Open Access•Sara Ryan•Health & Place•2010

  • Sentinels of Safety

    Open Access•Kristen E Burrows, Kristen Burrows et al.•Qualitative Health Research•2008

  • Challenges faced by parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

    Open Access•Amanda Ludlow, Charlotte Skelly et al.•Journal of Health Psychology•2012

Unique citing works6
Citations per year2
Citation span2023 - 2026 (4)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 6

Tools

Open DOI
Ethnos_APP • Open Source Project • MIT License • Frontend v2.0.0 • Privacy and Cookies • API Documentation: api.ethnos.app/docs • API Source Code: GitHub • DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17049435 • Frontend Source Code: GitHub • DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17050053 • cruz.rio.br • Expectantes Misericordiae