Hello! I got my laptop back this evening :) Now I can keep on top of blogging again...I found this website:
http://www.bluedominoes.com/content/therapeutic-effects-animals-use-animals-therapy
This gives really great details about three different types of animals that are used often for AAT with children with disabilities (dogs, horses, and dolphins). The website goes into specifics with how dogs can benefit children with autism, dyslexia and delayed reading disabilities, and children with ADHD. Horses also have a similar effect with children with autism and ADHD.
Dolphin assisted therapy began in the the 1970's with psychologist David Nathanson, whom believed interaction with dolphins improved children's' attention span and enhanced their cognitive processes. It is believed that dolphin therapy works well with improving speech, behaviors, and motor skills.
There are also some book recommendations toward the bottom of the page :) It's a great website that really pinpoints the exact benefits of each of these animals.
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Horses and dogs I had heard of, dolphins... never realized this! This section fascinated me. I guess I never really considered this. As a parent, anything one could do to help their child educationally, socially, mentally, and/or physically is worth it, even dolphin therapy... which I am sure is expensive.
ReplyDeleteKnowing that children with speech, language, and other learning issues have had success with it is interesting. I don't totally understand why but the fact that a number of studies have shown the result of improved expressive language, communication skills, attention, and time on task makes checking into this type of therapy worthwile. Obviously your place of residence has some effect on availablity though. It would be difficult for someone from my area but to those who live closer to places that offer it, it is definately an option to be considered.
Audri,
ReplyDeleteI was watching Extreme Home Makeover the other night, and they had the Starkweather family on there. Their son, Ethan, had a rare genetic disorder called Prader-Willi. The disorder causes weak muscle tone, low metablosim, and constant hunger. Anyways, to my point, the crew from Extreme Home Makeover gave Ethan a service dog that was trained just for him. If Ethan were to fall, the dog would break the fall and lower him gently to the floor. He could also detect when Ethan is ill. I was so amazed by how much the dog was going to be able to help out Ethan and his family. I thought this related to your posts, and I thought I would share it with you! :)
Taylor
Thanks, Taylor :) That is really interesting! Dogs, and I think even cats, can detect really interesting things-so it is really neat to read how they can detect one's health, on top of being able to detect emotions...
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