The Influence of Alpaca Assisted Activities on Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Faculty Advisor Name
Dr. Jeanne Wenos
Department
Department of Health Professions
Description
Occupational therapy addresses mental health, sensory needs, physical abilities, and socio-emotional skills for individuals across the lifespan. This can include animal assisted therapy, such as utilizing dogs for sensory benefits and improved well-being in a variety of settings. Based on previous research with animal-assisted activities (AAA), there is a lack of studies involving exotic animals, such as alpacas, in a natural setting, as well as a lack of research on the population consisting of a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD) and their sensory and socio-emotional needs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the influence of Alpaca Assisted Activities (AAA) on individuals with a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD and to determine whether AAA is a beneficial form of therapy for improving social and emotional behavior within this population. We believed that AAA with alpacas would improve quality of life, promote well-being, and enhance the socio-emotional skills of individuals with DS-ASD. In this pilot study, we observed the behaviors of two nonverbal teenage boys with a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD in their homes before and after the intervention. In addition, we strove to better understand the mothers’ perspectives of the value of the intervention. The intervention consisted of plans for Alpaca Assisted Activities held weekly across a four-weeks period at a local alpaca farm. The activities included petting, feeding, and walking the alpacas. While one researcher observed and recorded the frequency of behaviors during interactions with the alpaca, the other researcher assisted each boy one-on-one during the sessions. Researchers switched roles but either observed or interacted with the same boy throughout the study. Findings from parental interviews and systematic observations of participants revealed that alpaca-assisted activities were positively associated with social behaviors including initiating social interactions, increased gentle touches, and changes in mood reflected by smiles and laughter. Implications of the findings for continued research and clinical practice in animal-assisted activities and dual diagnosis DS-ASD are discussed.
The Influence of Alpaca Assisted Activities on Individuals with a Dual Diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Occupational therapy addresses mental health, sensory needs, physical abilities, and socio-emotional skills for individuals across the lifespan. This can include animal assisted therapy, such as utilizing dogs for sensory benefits and improved well-being in a variety of settings. Based on previous research with animal-assisted activities (AAA), there is a lack of studies involving exotic animals, such as alpacas, in a natural setting, as well as a lack of research on the population consisting of a dual diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD) and their sensory and socio-emotional needs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the influence of Alpaca Assisted Activities (AAA) on individuals with a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD and to determine whether AAA is a beneficial form of therapy for improving social and emotional behavior within this population. We believed that AAA with alpacas would improve quality of life, promote well-being, and enhance the socio-emotional skills of individuals with DS-ASD. In this pilot study, we observed the behaviors of two nonverbal teenage boys with a dual diagnosis of DS-ASD in their homes before and after the intervention. In addition, we strove to better understand the mothers’ perspectives of the value of the intervention. The intervention consisted of plans for Alpaca Assisted Activities held weekly across a four-weeks period at a local alpaca farm. The activities included petting, feeding, and walking the alpacas. While one researcher observed and recorded the frequency of behaviors during interactions with the alpaca, the other researcher assisted each boy one-on-one during the sessions. Researchers switched roles but either observed or interacted with the same boy throughout the study. Findings from parental interviews and systematic observations of participants revealed that alpaca-assisted activities were positively associated with social behaviors including initiating social interactions, increased gentle touches, and changes in mood reflected by smiles and laughter. Implications of the findings for continued research and clinical practice in animal-assisted activities and dual diagnosis DS-ASD are discussed.
