Dog Companionship and Community Participation Among Autistic Adults

Autistic individuals report participating in their communities less frequently than the general population due to multiple barriers (Cameron et al., 2022; Shea et al., 2021). Dogs have the potential to support participation, health, and well-being in non-disabled populations and those with disabilities (e.g., Gravrok et al., 2020). Available research has highlighted the impacts of dog companionship on autistic adults’ mental health (e.g., Barcelos et al., 2021). Additionally, canine-facilitated therapeutic interventions have shown promising results in strengthening the capacity of autistic adults to engage in daily activities (e.g., Wijker et al., 2020). To date, scholarship on dog companionship and the relationship, if any, between dog companionship and community participation in the autistic population, is scarce.

This qualitative project innovatively utilizes narrative phenomenology, Photovoice, and participant observation methods. I have recruited adults (a) who have a medical or educational-based diagnosis of autism (based on self-report); (b) able to participate in basic conversations either verbally or through augmentative communication devices; and (c) able to engage in community activities with or without care partners. I have recruited individuals from diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds using purposive sampling. The sample size of 8-10 participants has been determined by balancing concerns about both breadth and depth.

The research study aims are the following: (a) to explore the perceptions and experiences of autistic adults who have dogs; (b) to describe in which ways, if any, dog companionship supports community participation of autistic adults; and (c) to appraise how narrative phenomenology, Photovoice, and participant observation, employed individually or collectively, afford or constrain a better understanding of dog companionship and community participation in this population. Data collection included 6 steps: (a) individual interview; (b) orientation meeting; (c) Photovoice data collection; (d) participant observation; (e) Photovoice individual follow-up interview; and (f) Photovoice collective narrative follow-up interview (optional). The interview questions were piloted with 3 autistic adults and refined afterward. The non-linear and iterative data analysis process incorporates open coding, narrative, and thematic analysis of textual and visual data within and across cases. To enhance rigor, theory, data, methodological, and researcher triangulation is employed. The preliminary findings highlight the nuanced relationship between dog companionship and community participation of autistic adults. The project contributes to a better understanding of dog companionship and community participation and knowledge to what extent selected methodologies afford or constrain the understanding of the lived experiences. The study informs future research and aims to contribute to the development of tailored interventions that support the daily functioning, community participation, health, and well-being of autistic individuals.