Adriana+Senior+Exit+Project

Do children with autism show changes in behavior when using service dogs compared to no service dogs?

Adriana- think about what factors you will be measuring in terms of behavior. Will you look at rate of breathing, following directions, eye contact, more verbal utterances that are understandable? You might want to look into the literature to see what is appropriate for children with autism at certain ages. Mrs. Ashley

1st: I would like to observe the children with autism before the dogs were presented to the kids. I would like to observe their behavior in the way of fallowing directions.

2nd: I would like to observe the children with autism with the dogs being present.

3rd: I would like to view the differences in behavior with the dogs and without the dogs being present. Adriana-you mentioned in class looking at behavior. You will need to operationally define behavior. What details will you be looking at-- following directions, smiling, doing what exactly. This is a very important part of the project.

I would like to look mostly at whether or not they fallow direction better. I also want to look at their emotional behavior, whether they are happier, less overwhelmed etc..

Okay. To be precise, try to think about the process that goes into following directions. Then I will help you make an instrument that will differentiates the steps so that you can check off rather than a yes/no as there might be gradations in following directions. Example: listens to directions, attempts to follow, completes directions. Some students never focus to listen to the directions, so they aren't able to follow.

In terms of the emotional behavior....perhaps you could make a list of the positive versus negative behaviors that relate to emotions. Then you could check off each that occurs during the time span that you are observing. Things that are observable would make it easier and more valid (measruing what you want to be measuring). Examples: smiling, crying, yelling whining, hiding, looking at someone, etc. You could now work on both of those instruments and post on this wikispaces page and then I will work with you. Send me an email when you have posted the instruments or have a question.