Canine-assisted addition to group therapy for emotion dysregulation in kids with autism
Official title: Evaluating additive effects of including canines in Regulating Together: A Group Treatment to Address Emotion Dysregulation in youth with autism spectrum disorder
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11402213 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will test whether adding animal-assisted therapy to a proven group treatment helps reduce emotion dysregulation in children with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $638,363 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD106353-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402213 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with autism spectrum disorder who have significant emotion dysregulation and are参加ing a group-based intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Children without emotion dysregulation or who do not participate in the group program may not benefit.
What this research studies
Parents and clinicians may see whether including therapy dogs in a structured, evidence-based program improves emotional control for kids with autism. The study builds on Regulating Together, which already combines cognitive-behavioral techniques, parent training, and mindfulness, and adds animal-assisted activities. Researchers will measure changes in emotional reactivity, mood, heart rate variability, and cognitive flexibility over the treatment period. If the approach proves helpful, it could offer a new way to support youth with autism who struggle with emotions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, children with autism may experience better emotion regulation and fewer negative outcomes related to dysregulation.
How similar studies have gone: AAI has shown improvements in mood and engagement in some youth, but its specific impact on emotion dysregulation within ASD-treated groups is not yet established.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaffer, Rebecca — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Shaffer, Rebecca
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.