Effect of Animal Assisted Education with a Dog Within Children with ADHD in the Classroom: A Case Study
Abstrakt
The aim of the case study was the evaluation of the effect of Animal-assisted education (AAE) within the two children (Tobias and Emily) diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). AAE took part in a private primary school during one school year.
AAE was practiced with a dog. The severity of ADHD symptoms was evaluated by the teacher using The Conners Scale: Teacher Questionnaire (Conners in American Journal of Psychiatry 126: 884-888, 1969) before and after AAE.
Results of the teacher's rating, and teacher's and experimenter's observation showed the beneficial effect of participation of a dog in the classroom. A decrease in the severity of ADHD symptoms, as well as the improvement in concentration, communication with teachers, and co-operation with their peers in the classroom, was observed.
Based on the study results, using a dog as a part of AAE within children with ADHD appears to be a beneficial activity, and an alternative treatment method to eliminate the ADHD symptoms. However, further researches are needed to support our findings.