Students With ADHD And Their Connection To Dogs

Abstract:

There has been limited research on how to best support students with ADHD academically, socially, and psychologically through animal-assisted interventions (AAIs). This study explores how AAIs may serve as a supplemental therapy for individuals with ADHD, whether or not they take medication. Dogs are widely recognized as beneficial to humans, serving as therapy dogs, service dogs, emotional support animals, and search and rescue dogs. Even without formal training, they can naturally boost dopamine levels, reduce stress, promote responsibility, and provide motivation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the connection between dogs and humans and evaluate how this relationship may be particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD. A notable gap was identified in the existing literature: very few studies have examined AAIs in adolescents with ADHD. Addressing this gap could provide valuable support in school and other high-stress contexts, offering an additional or alternative form of intervention alongside medication and traditional therapy.