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. 2021 Nov 11:8:735432.
doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.735432. eCollection 2021.

A Stakeholder-Engaged Approach to Development of an Animal-Assisted Intervention for Obesity Prevention Among Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Pet Dogs

Deborah E Linder  1 , Sara C Folta  2 , Aviva Must  3 , Christina M Mulé  4   5 , Sean B Cash  2 , Eli D Halbreich  6 , Candice Colón  7 , Sandy Sullivan  8 , Edward Sanabria  9 , Debra Gibbs  10 , Terri Farrell  11
Affiliations

A Stakeholder-Engaged Approach to Development of an Animal-Assisted Intervention for Obesity Prevention Among Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Pet Dogs

Deborah E Linder et al. Front Vet Sci. .

Abstract

Stakeholder involvement in research has been demonstrated to increase the effectiveness, validity, and quality of a study. This paper describes the engagement of a stakeholder panel in the development and implementation of an animal-assisted intervention (AAI) assessment and program for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Canines for Autism Activity and Nutrition (CAAN) aims to promote physical activity and wellness among children diagnosed with ASD by integrating activities with their pet dog during the child's ongoing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) in-home therapy sessions. Feedback from stakeholders guided program development at each stage of the research process, including this publication. Utilizing a stakeholder-informed approach was essential for the development of assessment tools, program materials, and program design. Methods that may assist others to effectively partner with stakeholders to implement an AAI among children diagnosed with ASD or related disorders are described.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; animal-assisted intervention; applied behavior analysis; human-animal interaction; intervention program methods and outcomes; obesity; patient engagement; stakeholder engagement.

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Conflict of interest statement

DL is a faculty advisor and DG is the program coordinator for a Pet Partner Community Partners group at Tufts University. DG is also a Pet Partners trainer and evaluator. CC was employed by company Behavioral Concepts, Inc. ES was employed by company Perfect Piece LLC. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The funders were not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article or the decision to submit it for publication.

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