Results from several studies have reported that the presence of an autistic child may induce additional stress for the family (Baker-Ericzén et al., 2005; Yamada et al., 2007). Furthermore, some studies support the notion that parental stress may be influenced by the family functioning (Dyson, 1997). In fact, the evaluation of the family ecology is of particular importance since poor family harmony has been found to be a good predictor of stress (Perry et al., 2004). It seems that the exacerbation of the stress level linked with these behaviours is reduced following the introduction of intervention programs which include the parents’ collaboration (Wiggs & Stores, 2001). Since one of the symptoms of autism is impaired social functioning and that the presence of a dog seems to help develop these skills (Martin & Farnum, 2002) it is plausible to believe that the integration of a service dog in the family home could be a promising intervention.
Objectives:
The present study will first evaluate how the degree of severity of the autistic symptoms affects the variation of stress levels reported. Secondly, this study aims to estimate in what manner family functioning and parental stress interact with each other. And lastly, the impact of a service dog (provided and trained by the Mira Foundation) on the parental stress and the family functioning is evaluated both before and after the insertion of the dog within the family.
Methods:
Measurements are taken during home visits one month before the dog’s introduction and six months after. The total sample is composed of 38 families who received a service dog and 33 families from a waiting list (control group). The stress level is evaluated using the Parental Stress Index short form (Abidin, 1995). The parent also completed the Family Environment Scale (Moos & Moos, 1981). As for the severity of the autistic symptomology, it is estimated using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (Schopler et al., 1980) and filled out by the evaluator after the home visits.
Results:
The results indicate no difference between the two groups as for age and severity of the diagnosis. They also suggest that the families reported a great amount of stress before the introduction of the service dog. These stress levels are diminished following the integration of the dog. As for the family ecology, a significant difference between the two groups was observed. In fact, the family who received a dog seemed to put more emphasis on expressiveness and independence and have a tendency to encourage achievement following the integration of the animal.
Conclusions:
Our results confirm those found by Dyson (1997) indicating that parents of children with developmental disabilities report a higher level of stress which is influenced by family functioning. The results indicate that the introduction of a trained dog may be a good form of intervention in relieving stress from the parent. Finally, the project reflects a conceptual framework suggesting that the study of the service dog’s impact on the autistic child should be addressed from a family-centered perspective.