Animal-assisted resilience training for children facing stress or autism
Effects of an Animal-assisted Resilience Training for Children With a History of Stressful Life Events or a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
This study is testing whether animal-assisted training can help children with stress or autism build resilience and improve their self-esteem and social skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Ages | 2 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Trial ID | NCT06025539 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of animal-assisted resilience training on children who have experienced stressful life events or have autism spectrum disorder. Participants will engage in 12 group-based training sessions held outdoors, which include interactions with various animals. The training aims to enhance self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social skills among the children. The study seeks to determine the feasibility of this approach in increasing resilience in the targeted population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 2-4 or 8-12 years with a history of stressful life events or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
Not a fit: Children with medical contraindications for contact with animals, such as allergies or phobias, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve resilience and emotional well-being in children facing stress or autism.
How similar studies have performed: While animal-assisted interventions have shown promise in various settings, this specific approach to resilience training is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 2 and 4 years (toddler group) or 8 and 12 years (children group) * History of at least one stressful life event experience OR diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder * Basic knowledge of either German or English of parents and child to follow the instructions during the training sessions and completion of interviews. Exclusion Criteria: - Medical contraindications for contact with animals, such as allergies or phobia
Where this trial is running
Basel
- University of Basel — Basel, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Karin Hediger, Prof. Dr.
- Email: karin.hediger@unibas.ch
- Phone: +41 79 519 78 85
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.