Animal-Assisted Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Survey of French Facilities

Claire Philippe-Peyroutet (1) , Marine Grandgeorge (2)

1 Clinique Vétérinaire Saint Antoine
2 EthoS - Ethologie animale et humaine

Our survey of animal-assisted interventions (AAI) offered by French intervention facilities aimed to examine and describe the range of AAI for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. We invited 2,302 facilities to reply to an online questionnaire. The responses to our survey (n = 386) revealed that animals were used extensively as a complementary intervention. Most AAI sessions were in groups. Various animal species (especially horses and dogs) and facility staff members as well as external collaborators were involved. Numerous benefits (e.g., enhanced well-being, self-esteem, and socialization) were reported. Facilities face difficulties in connection with AAI including finances, staffing, and scheduling constraints. However, these problems do not affect staffs’ motivation. This is the first large-scale survey giving a qualitative and quantitative picture of AAI practices in an entire country.

Mots clés: autism spectrum disorders; animal-assisted intervention; children; survey; facility

Domaines: Sciences cognitives; Psychologie et comportements; Neurosciences; Pédiatrie

Claire Philippe-Peyroutet, Marine Grandgeorge. Animal-Assisted Interventions for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Survey of French Facilities. People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 2018, 1 (1), pp.Article 8. ⟨hal-01930579⟩