A Randomised Controlled Study of Dog Assisted Therapy: Comparing a Short and a Long Version Program for Patients with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

FASD can be classified into three subtypes. FAS is identified by (1) facial abnormalities, (2) growth deficits, abnormal brain development, or irregularities in neurophysiology, and (3) neurobehavioral issues. Partial Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) shares similarities but presents with fewer physical characteristics, while Alcohol-Related Neurobehavioral Disorder (ARND) solely exhibits neurobehavioral symptoms without facial anomalies.

Previous research has highlighted the effectiveness of psychological intervention programs focused on emotional regulation for individuals with FASD. Similarly, studies have emphasized the benefits of interventions targeting social skills. These interventions have been shown to result in reductions in externalizing behaviors, with social skills training specifically correlating with improvements in social competence and a decrease in problematic behaviors Recently a new form of behavioral therapy has been gaining popularity in improving the physical and mental health of young adults, known as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). Animal Assisted Therapy lays its foundation in human attachment theory and social cognitive theory where it is argued that animals can be potentially viewed as a transitional attachment object and thus aid to improve psychosocial functioning.