Description: A therapy involving children interacting with animals.

Examples: Therapeutic horseback riding, Dolphin therapy, or Pet therapy

Research Summary: There have been no scientific studies of animal therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

Recommendations: Researchers may wish to conduct studies with strong scientific designs to evaluate animal therapy. Professionals should present animal therapy as untested and encourage families who are considering this intervention to evaluate it carefully.

From: http://www.asatonline.org/intervention/treatments/animal.htm