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

ABSTRACT: 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 curricul

SUBMITTER: Wong WHS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12789236 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature