Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.24141/1/9/2/9
Examining The Association Of Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy (ASI) With Therapy Dogs (AAT) And The Level Of Support A Child Needs According To The International Classification Of Functioning, Disability And Health (ICF)
Davor Duić
; The Rehabilitation Centre Silver, Zagreb
*
Andreja Bartolac
; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb
Ksenija Baždarić
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Health Studies
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The aim of this research is to determine the connection between the child’s inclusion in Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) therapy with a therapy dog (Animal assisted therapy, AAT) and the level of support that the child needs through tasks, activities and regulation of behaviour through certain categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Thirty children with developmental disabilities were included in the research, of which 25 were boys. Children were between the ages of 4 and 10. Data were obtained by observing children in therapy through the Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy Assessment Questionnaire (ASI) with AAT dogs (ICF ASI/AAT Questionnaire) according to 5 ICF categories: sensory functioning, learning and application of knowledge, general tasks and requirements, mobility, communication, interpersonal interactions, and relationships. Comparing the results, a significant difference is noted before and after ASI therapy with AAT dogs according to ICF in significantly decreased assessed difficulties after therapy in all categories in 29 children. Difficulties were reduced and independence increased in all 5 ICF categories of sensory functioning, activity, and participation, learning and application of knowledge, mobility (motor skills), communication, interpersonal interaction and relationships (socialization). The paper additionally explains the terminology, standards, competences of therapists and AAT therapy dog handlers, the selection and training of therapy dogs that are necessary for the implementation of ASI and AAT. It is shown that the use of assistance dogs (therapy dogs for children) in ASI is carried out according to ASI fidelity measures (ASIFM) and international standards for the use of assistance dogs and AAT.
Keywords
Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI®), Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), assistance dog, therapy dog, ICF
Hrčak ID:
313139
URI
Publication date:
4.1.2024.
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