Browsing by Author "Tiikasalo, Isa"

The prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has increased in Finland and it can bring various challenges to the lives of children and adolescents through symptoms, affecting social relationships, education, and everyday management. Neuropsychiatric coaching can prevent the accumulation of these challenges and significantly reduce them. This form of coaching can also be implemented with the assistance of dogs. Interest in dog-assisted work is growing continuously, both in Finland and globally. The aim of this study is to examine recent and alternative forms of support for neurodevelopmentally symptomatic children and adolescents, namely dog-assisted work, and neuropsychiatric coaching. The study was carried out as qualitative research and the interview data were collected remotely during June and July 2023. The interviews were conducted as individual interviews with the participation of seven (7) neuropsychiatric coaches, who work with dogs. The research results were analyzed using inductive content analysis. This study addresses three research questions. To begin with, I seek to understand how neuropsychiatric coaches implement dog-assisted work in neuropsychiatric coaching with children and adolescents. I also explore the experiences of coaches regarding the effects of dog-assisted work on children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental symptoms. And thirdly, I examine the views of coaches on the possibilities of dog-assisted neuropsychiatric coaching in schools. The results reveal that neuropsychiatric coaching can be implemented with assistance dogs in various ways. Socioemotional exercises, activities supporting arousal regulation, and working methods related to daily life skills were highlighted. The results also highlight the comprehensive impact that dog-assisted neuropsychiatric coaching can have on a child or adolescent. Dog-assisted work was reported to enable socioemotional support for children and adolescents and have a positive impact on behavior and cognitive readiness. Coaches expressed their desire for the addition of school dogs and suggested how the method could be introduced into schools. Coaches emphasized the comprehensive professionalism of the practice, as introducing a dog to school or work always entails risks.