Keywords
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Abstract
Objective: To explore the effectiveness of Animal-Assisted Therapies (AAT) in the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Methods: Through an integrative literature review conducted on the PUBMED and Virtual Health Library databases, without temporal restrictions, nine articles were selected after eliminating duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The positive effects of AAT are highlighted, demonstrating improvements in engagement and communication among individuals with ASD. Interactions with therapy dogs have provided emotional support, resulting in therapeutic advancements. Furthermore, equine therapy has shown benefits in enhancing motor coordination, gait cycle, and cognitive aspects. The analysis emphasizes the complementary nature of AAT in the treatment of ASD, underscoring the importance of appropriate selection and training criteria to ensure safety and effectiveness of interventions. Final considerations: Personalizing therapies according to individual needs is crucial to maximize benefits. By integrating these therapies into comprehensive and tailored therapeutic plans, it is possible to optimize outcomes.
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