Forging Furry Friendships: How Human-Animal Interventions Can Support Autistic Children’s Well-Being
In this webinar, you’ll learn about the science of human-animal bonds and specifically how animal interventions can support autistic children’s well-being.
Humans and animals have long had special bonds… but why? In this webinar, we’ll explore this question from a scientific perspective. Then we’ll go more in-depth to discover how animal interventions can support some autistic children and their families. We’ll learn from Leanne Neiforth and Sarah Leighton about their work in this field and gain practical tips for forging meaningful—and furry!—friendships for the autistic children you care for.
Specifically, this webinar will…
- Examine the special relationship between humans and animals.
- Review recent research around animal interventions for autistic children and their families.
- Describe ways families’ pets or support animals can help autistic children through everyday routines.
- Outline next steps for families interested in finding a pet, support animal, or other animal-based resources.
Meet our guests:
- Leanne Nieforth, MS, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Human-Animal Interaction in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. You can learn more about her work by visiting https://leannenieforth.com/. Or visit https://vet.purdue.edu/chab/ to stay up to date with the latest research from Purdue University College of Veterinary medicine Center for the Human-Animal Bond.
- Sarah Leighton, MS, is a PhD Student at the OHAIRE Lab in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona. You can learn more about Sarah’s work by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahcleighton/ Learn more about OHAIRE Lab at www.humananimalinteraction.org and give them a follow on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn) @ohairelab
More to Explore:
- Equine-assisted services providers:
- Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International: https://pathintl.org/
- HERD Institute: https://herdinstitute.com/welcome-herd-institute/about/find-a-practitioner/
- Service dog resources:
- Assistance Dogs International (ADI): www.assistancedogsinternational.org
- Canine Companions: www.canine.org
Did you know you can earn a certificate for participating in this training? Register above and watch the video before taking our assessment quiz. Pass the quiz to download your certificate for this 1hr webinar.
Already passed the quiz? To access your certificate go to your profile and tap “certificates.”
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Super Helper
Finding ways to help their family can be a great way for autistic children to build skills and pursue goals.
Time for a Treat
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Where Should We Go?
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