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; Sara C. Folta; Aviva Must; Christina M. Mulé; Christina M. Mulé; Sean B. Cash; Eli D. Halbreich; Candice Colón; Sandy Sullivan; Edward Sanabria; Debra Gibbs; Terri Farrell

doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.735432

Frontiers in Veterinary Science (Nov 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,
Sara C. Folta,
Aviva Must,
Christina M. Mulé,
Christina M. Mulé,
Sean B. Cash,
Eli D. Halbreich,
Candice Colón,
Sandy Sullivan,
Edward Sanabria,
Debra Gibbs,
Terri Farrell

Affiliations

Deborah E. Linder: Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
Sara C. Folta: Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
Aviva Must: Department of Public Health & Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
Christina M. Mulé: Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
Christina M. Mulé: Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
Sean B. Cash: Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
Eli D. Halbreich: Department of Psychology, Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences, Medford, MA, United States
Candice Colón: LEARN Behavioral, Baltimore, MD, United States
Sandy Sullivan: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston, MA, United States
Edward Sanabria: Perfect Piece LLC, Marlborough, MA, United States
Debra Gibbs: 0Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
Terri Farrell: 1The Shriver Center, The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.735432
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 8

Abstract

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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.

Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science

ISSN: 2297-1769 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Agriculture: Animal culture: Veterinary medicine
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science

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