Using therapy dogs to help children with autism
Impact of Animal-Assisted Intervention Dogs on the Performance Behaviors of Special Needs
This study is testing if therapy dogs can help children with autism improve their speech and quality of life in a school setting.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06609122 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study evaluates the effectiveness of an Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a local school setting. The program involves two to four students with mild to moderate autism participating in two 15-minute sessions per week over a total of eight sessions. The intervention aims to improve speech and language skills, quality of life, and assess the feasibility and costs of implementing AAI in Hong Kong. A multidisciplinary team, including qualified AAI dogs and handlers, will facilitate the sessions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 18 years with mild to moderate autism diagnosed by a pediatrician.
Not a fit: Patients who are afraid of animals, allergic to them, or have severe cognitive issues may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance communication skills and overall quality of life for children with autism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in other countries have shown positive outcomes with similar animal-assisted interventions, suggesting potential for success in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: -Either gender aged 6 to 18 years old; have mild to moderate autism Exclusion Criteria: -Who are not interested in the intervention and/or afraid of animals; who are allergic to animals; with severe mental/cognitive issues that might lead to injuries/ inconvenience to the animals and increase the likelihood of undersired events
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Special Schools in Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dr. Wilfred Wong, p.hD. In Public Health — Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Dr. Wilfred Wong
- Email: whswong@hku.hk
- Phone: 85222554945
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.