Dog-assisted therapy on Hong Kong children with autism spectrum disorder: an exploratory randomized controlled trial.

Researchers tested whether therapy dogs could help children with autism in Hong Kong. 64 children aged 6-15 were split into two groups - one received 8 sessions with therapy dogs, the other continued regular school activities. Both groups improved, but the therapy dog group wasn't significantly better than the regular group. The therapy dog sessions helped with quality of life and reduced behavioral difficulties, suggesting dog therapy could be a useful addition to regular support.

This exploratory randomized controlled trial examined dog-assisted therapy (DAT) effectiveness in 64 Hong Kong children with autism spectrum disorder aged 6-15 years. Participants were randomized to receive either 8-session DAT or conventional education curriculum. The DAT group showed significant improvements in quality of life scores (58.32 to 63.71, p=0.007) and reduced total difficulties scores (15.63 to 13.16, p=0.003), with specific improvements in externalizing behavior, conduct problems, and hyperactivity. The control group also showed some improvement in total difficulties.

However, between-group differences were not statistically significant, suggesting DAT has comparable rather than superior effects to conventional curriculum approaches.

DAT appears to offer comparable benefits to conventional educational approaches for children with ASD. Could serve as supplemental therapy option, particularly for quality of life and behavioral difficulties. However, may not provide additional benefits beyond standard interventions, suggesting careful consideration of resource allocation and individual preferences in treatment planning.

Small sample size (n=64) limits generalizability. Described as 'exploratory' trial suggesting preliminary findings. Control group also showed improvements, making it difficult to isolate DAT-specific effects. Short intervention duration (8 sessions) and unclear long-term effects.

Dog-assisted therapy (DAT) has become a promising complementary approach, providing social and emotional support for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Research on the effects of DAT on multiple functions in children with ASD is limited, and the results are inconsistent. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of DAT with an RCT study on both psychosocial problems and overall well-being in children with ASD in Hong Kong. An exploratory randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2023 to November 2024, involving 64 children with ASD aged 6 to 15 years.

Participants were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to DAT group and control group. The DAT group participated in a structured 8-session DAT training program while the control group received a conventional education curriculum. Before and after the intervention, the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory scale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were used to evaluate children's quality of life and psychosocial problems, respectively. The paired t-test and independent t-test/Mann-Whitney U test were employed to analyze pre-post differences and group differences.

In the DAT group, the mean total score of quality of life was significantly improved (pre vs. post: 58.32 vs. 63.71, P = 0.007) and the mean score of total difficulties was significantly reduced (pre vs. post: 15.63 vs. 13.16, P = 0.003). The decreased scores of several subscales of SDQ, such as externalizing behavior, conduct problems, and hyperactivity were also observed (all P < 0.05). The control group with conventional curriculum training also presented with a lowered mean total difficulties score (pre vs. post: 16.47 vs. 15.03, P = 0.035). There were no statistically significant change differences between the two groups (P > 0.05).

The preliminary finding shows DAT has a comparable effect to the school's educational curriculum in improving the psychosocial health and quality of life of children with ASD. DAT could potentially serve as a beneficial supplemental therapy for children with ASD who receive conventional curriculum training. The trial was registered on https://www. gov (NCT06609122) on 25 Sep 2024. • Animal-assisted intervention (AAI) has emerged as a promising adjunct, offering social and emotional support for children with ASD. • Evidence on the impact of dog-assisted therapy (DAT) on important outcomes (e.g., emotional and behavioral problems, quality of life) were not fully explored. • DAT demonstrates a similar impact to the school's educational curriculum in enhancing the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of children with ASD. • Most cases in pediatric outbreaks occurred among healthcare workers pointing to the need to protect HCW from infections and a limited role of pediatric patients and caregivers.