So sorry I haven't been on here much this week! My laptop (which is the only computer I use for homework) has a virus. It is in a shop currently being worked on...3-5 business days, apparently. I am bumming off of my parents' desktop computer right now :) Anyway, I found these really interesting videos that show the effects of animal-assisted therapy on a child with autism. There are 5 in total.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb6Qv0NDDXk (1st one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow2lkHn58zk (2nd one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHbXVxheEL8 (3rd one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLn5DZJ2fAc (4th one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKyT2-3pFpw (5th one-just some clips of therapy-kind of a conclusion)
The videos start off with introducing the study with the autistic child, Zachary, and the dog used for therapy (Henry). Zachary has no interest in Henry at first, but by the end of the videos, he sees Henry as a friend and enjoys interacting with him without being told the type of activities to engage in. Henry is a great motivator for Zachary, as well. There was a situation in which Zachary had absolutely not interest in cutting with scissors. After being introduced to treat giving as a motivator and cutting out treat shapes-he started to pick up scissors without being asked to. He became very self competent. It's just amazing to see this in action! Let me know what you think :)
I watched the second video you listed. I was intrigued by the fact that the the non-verbal communication between the student and the dog was less stimulating and didn't overwhelm the student in the manner that the verbal communication with his therapists did. It made me understand the use of communication devices a little more.
ReplyDeleteAfter I watched that video, I seen an option on the side that was interesting. You should watch this one (little over three minutes long). It's a news segment about a boy with Autism who the school had denied his dogs assistance within the school setting. It points out that the ADA has clearly given the child the right but the school isn't cooperating. It shows how/why the dog is so beneficial to the student socially and for safety purposes. Here it is...
Autistic Boy Can't Have Dog At School
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wId54ElSMbU&feature=fvw
Thanks! I will check that out and maybe use that for my next posting!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great set of videos! Thank you so much for sharing. I am a recent grad from an OT program and very new to this. But I believe in AAT and want to be involved in it one day. I look forward to following your blog! Thanks.
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