The first two Gryffin studies successfully demonstrated improvement in both prosocial behavior and emotional regulation within and apart from AAT sessions. We were so excited to think this type of AAT could be utilized to achieve similar results shown between service dogs and their owner with ASD. However, we had to prove the results were due to Gryffin and I working together and evaluate the outcomes of children who received the same therapy with me but without Gryffin. That’s what led us to Snuffles.
Dr. Temple Grandin suggested that I purchase a large black Labrador plush toy that looked like Gryffin and use him to evaluate prosocial behavior and emotional regulation occurring both during and apart from AAT sessions. We have two homogenous groups of children separated into the Gryffin group and Snuffles group. Each group receives the same therapy from me; the only difference is some have Gryffin and some do not. The Snuffles study ends in August 2024 and we will have the results by December 2024. We cannot wait to see how Dr. Padfoot compares to his buddy Snuffles!
