Effectiveness of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) in adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Completed

Conditions: autism
autism spectrum disorder
10012562

Registration Number: NL-OMON40783

Lead Sponsor: GGZ Oost Brabant (Rosmalen)

Brief Summary: Not available

Detailed Description: Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: Completed

Sex: Not specified

Target Recruitment: 72

Inclusion Criteria

A primary diagnosis within the autism spectrum is required for participation in the study. The participants must be diagnosed through, a semi-structured interview based on the DSM-V criteria and the ADI-R
Their age is between 18-60. The WAIS-III or WAIS-IV score > 80. Participants suffer from stress (PSS > 20), and overal psychological distress (SCL-90 > 133).

Exclusion Criteria

Psychosis and suicide risk
When participants are allergic to dogs, when they have fear of dogs or when they can expres serious aggression towards the dog.
Aversion towards dogs
Use of medicin that involves the ingredient cortison.
Change in medication or treatment
Active psychosocial treatment

Study & Design

Study Type: Interventional

Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
<p>Self reports on perceived stress: Scores on the PSS<br /><br>Overal psycholoical distress: scores on the SCL-90-R<br /><br>Self confidence rates: Scores on the RSES<br /><br>Characteristics of ASD: Scores on the SRS-A<br /><br>Physiological stress: Salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase and heart rate<br /><br>variability </p><br>

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
<p>Qualitative observations of social behavior: the social behavior list<br /><br>Explorative: For the intervention group: Physiological stress: Salivary<br /><br>cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase and heart rate variability at session 5<br /><br>Proces evaluation: Questions after AAI is completed</p><br>