This study aimed to examine the role of pet dogs in families of children with autism.
Sixty-seven percent of families owned dogs and 94% reported that their children were
bonded to their dogs. Parents described previous experience with dogs and beliefs
in their benefits as influential in their dog ownership decision-making process. Children
living with dogs interacted with them in play and/or sharing personal space. Sensory
issues of the children impacted their interaction with dogs inside and outside the
home. Time and cost of care were identified burdens of dog ownership. Benefits were
the opportunity to learn responsibility and companionship.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 04, 2013
Footnotes
1Poster presentation on March 9 2013 at Midwest Nursing Research Society Conference in Chicago Illinois.
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© 2014 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
