Paws and play: can animal training boost resilience in kids?
NCT ID NCT06025539
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested a 12-session outdoor group training program where children interacted with animals to build resilience. It included 107 children aged 2-4 or 8-12 who had either autism or a history of stressful life events. The goal was to see if this approach could help them better cope with emotions and social challenges.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
107 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Aug 2021
- Finished
-
Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
2 to 12 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 2 and 4 years (toddler group) or 8 and 12 years (children group) * History of at least one stressful life event experience OR diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder * Basic knowledge of either German or English of parents and child to follow the instructions during the training sessions and completion of interviews. Exclusion Criteria: \- Medical contraindications for contact with animals, such as allergies or phobia
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Autism spectrum disorder are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Basel
Basel, 4055, Switzerland
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Gut bacteria may hold clues to dozens of diseases
- Can a tailored therapy ease anxiety and depression in autistic teens?
- Can coaching school staff raise the quality of autism programs?
- Can wireless monitors make ER vitals easier for autistic children?
- Why do some children with autism struggle with balance?
- Brain zaps tested to calm emotional storms in autism