PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
UNASSIGNED: Service dog placements for autistic children are growing in popularity, yet findings to date are mixed. Moreover, no study to date has examined these placements through the lens of a recognized theoretical model. The purpose of this study is twofold: to explore experiences reported by caretakers of autistic children involved in a service dog program, and to contextualize findings within an established theoretical framework.
UNASSIGNED: A total of n = 50 caretakers of autistic children (n = 38 with and n = 12 without a service dog) were recruited through the national non-profit service dog provider Canine Companions. Participants completed an online survey through Qualtrics which asked open-ended questions about their experiences, both negative and positive.
UNASSIGNED: Constant comparative analysis identified two high level themes, nested within a family systems approach framework: (1) Enhancing social functioning of the family system unit and (2) Fostering stability and strength within family system subunits. These themes interacted holistically to foster and reinforce family system resilience. Placements led to greater social inclusion for children and their families, acted as a highly individualized intervention, and decreased experiences of judgement and stigma. Perceived as members of the family, service dogs may coregulate with the autistic child and family members and can be a source of joyful connection within the family.
UNASSIGNED: Results highlighted the service dog\'s influence on the entire family (beyond the autistic child). Implications for service dog organizations suggest it may be helpful to account for family-wide impacts throughout the placement process. High standards on the part of provider organizations may minimize negatives, optimizing outcomes for both humans and canines. Ultimately, findings enrich our understanding of service dog interventions for autistic children.
UNASSIGNED: A total of n = 50 caretakers of autistic children (n = 38 with and n = 12 without a service dog) were recruited through the national non-profit service dog provider Canine Companions. Participants completed an online survey through Qualtrics which asked open-ended questions about their experiences, both negative and positive.
UNASSIGNED: Constant comparative analysis identified two high level themes, nested within a family systems approach framework: (1) Enhancing social functioning of the family system unit and (2) Fostering stability and strength within family system subunits. These themes interacted holistically to foster and reinforce family system resilience. Placements led to greater social inclusion for children and their families, acted as a highly individualized intervention, and decreased experiences of judgement and stigma. Perceived as members of the family, service dogs may coregulate with the autistic child and family members and can be a source of joyful connection within the family.
UNASSIGNED: Results highlighted the service dog\'s influence on the entire family (beyond the autistic child). Implications for service dog organizations suggest it may be helpful to account for family-wide impacts throughout the placement process. High standards on the part of provider organizations may minimize negatives, optimizing outcomes for both humans and canines. Ultimately, findings enrich our understanding of service dog interventions for autistic children.
摘要：
■自闭症儿童服务犬的位置越来越受欢迎，然而，迄今为止的调查结果喜忧参半。此外，迄今为止，还没有研究通过公认的理论模型对这些位置进行检查。这项研究的目的是双重的：探索参与服务犬计划的自闭症儿童的看护人报告的经验，并在既定的理论框架内将发现的背景化。
■通过国家非营利性服务犬提供者犬科伴侣招募了总共n=50名自闭症儿童看护人（n=38，n=12没有服务犬）。参与者通过Qualtrics完成了一项在线调查，该调查询问了有关他们经历的开放式问题，消极和积极。
■不断的比较分析确定了两个高层次的主题，嵌套在家庭系统方法框架内：（1）增强家庭系统单元的社会功能；（2）促进家庭系统子单元内的稳定性和力量。这些主题从整体上相互作用，以促进和加强家庭系统的复原力。安置使儿童及其家庭更加融入社会，作为高度个性化的干预，减少了判断和耻辱的经历。被认为是家庭成员，服务犬可以与自闭症儿童和家庭成员共同调节，并且可以成为家庭内快乐联系的来源。
■结果强调了服务犬对整个家庭（除了自闭症儿童）的影响。对服务犬组织的影响表明，在整个安置过程中考虑整个家庭的影响可能会有所帮助。供应商组织的高标准可以最大限度地减少负面影响，优化人类和犬类的结果。最终,研究结果丰富了我们对自闭症儿童服务犬干预的理解。
■通过国家非营利性服务犬提供者犬科伴侣招募了总共n=50名自闭症儿童看护人（n=38，n=12没有服务犬）。参与者通过Qualtrics完成了一项在线调查，该调查询问了有关他们经历的开放式问题，消极和积极。
■不断的比较分析确定了两个高层次的主题，嵌套在家庭系统方法框架内：（1）增强家庭系统单元的社会功能；（2）促进家庭系统子单元内的稳定性和力量。这些主题从整体上相互作用，以促进和加强家庭系统的复原力。安置使儿童及其家庭更加融入社会，作为高度个性化的干预，减少了判断和耻辱的经历。被认为是家庭成员，服务犬可以与自闭症儿童和家庭成员共同调节，并且可以成为家庭内快乐联系的来源。
■结果强调了服务犬对整个家庭（除了自闭症儿童）的影响。对服务犬组织的影响表明，在整个安置过程中考虑整个家庭的影响可能会有所帮助。供应商组织的高标准可以最大限度地减少负面影响，优化人类和犬类的结果。最终,研究结果丰富了我们对自闭症儿童服务犬干预的理解。
