Imagine a world where the warmth of a furry coat, the sincere gaze of a loyal friend or the soft splash of water from a dolphin’s fin can be the key to better well-being and development. Animal therapy is a unique method where animals become allies in helping people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is not just an interaction, but a whole philosophy of healing, where every movement of a tail or quiet purr helps to break down barriers, creating a space for trust, joy and new possibilities.
Animal therapy and its role in helping people with autism
Animal therapy is a treatment method where specially trained animals play a role in the rehabilitation or healing process. Among the most common “therapists” are dogs, horses, dolphins, cats, certain bird species, and even guinea pigs. Engaging with these animals has a soothing impact, helping to alleviate stress and enhance social abilities.
People with autism have difficulty communicating, expressing emotions and adapting to the world around them. Communicating with others often causes them stress due to fear of being misunderstood or judged. Animals, on the other hand, create a safe space where difficult communication is not required and there is no sense of pressure. This makes interaction with them natural and comfortable.
Main Benefits
- Reduces anxiety Stroking your pet’s fur, watching your pet’s movements, or just being near your pet helps you relax. Studies show that such contact reduces cortisol (a stress hormone) and increases oxytocin, which promotes feelings of calm and trust.
- Developing social skills Interacting with animals teaches the basic elements of communication: eye contact, expressing emotions, and following a sequence of actions. For example, playing with a dog requires giving commands or following rules, which helps transfer these skills to human interaction.
- Speech stimulation Communicating with pets motivates people with autism to engage in verbal activities. This can be by saying a command, the pet’s name or describing the pet’s actions, which helps to develop speech in a relaxed environment.
- Emotional support animals possess a remarkable ability to detect and react to human emotions. They offer unconditional acceptance, providing a sense of comfort and emotional reassurance.
- Improving sensory regulation Many people with autism have difficulty with sensory stimuli. Contact with fur, the movement of a horse during hippotherapy or swimming with dolphins can help develop and regulate tactile and motor sensations.
- Enhancing self-esteem: Looking after a pet and engaging in basic tasks like feeding or playing helps individuals with autism feel valued and accomplished. This boosts their self-confidence and aids them in facing challenges in other aspects of life.
Types of Animal Therapy
Every animal involved in animal therapy brings distinct qualities that contribute to the emotional, developmental, and physical well-being of individuals with autism. The choice of therapy type is based on the person’s unique needs and traits.
Therapy with dogs
Dogs are the most widely used and adaptable companions in animal therapy. Their involvement helps both children and adults with autism build confidence and enhance their communication and social interaction skills.
- Playing and walking. Simple interaction, such as playing ball or walking on a leash, develops motor and social skills.
- Therapy dogs. Trained pets can perform commands to reduce stress, prevent outbursts of aggression, or distract from anxious thoughts.
Hippotherapy (therapy with horses)
Hippotherapy is employed to support both physical and emotional well-being.
- Physical benefits: Riding a horse helps improve coordination, balance, and motor skills, while strengthening muscles and enhancing body control.
- Emotional well-being: Engaging with horses fosters responsibility, patience, and emotional regulation, promoting a sense of confidence and tranquility.
Dolphin Therapy
Swimming with dolphins has become one of the most popular forms of animal therapy due to the unique properties of these marine mammals:
- Ultrasonic effects. Dolphins emit ultrasound, which, according to experts, stimulates the nervous system, reduces anxiety and improves general well-being.
- Emotional bond: Interacting with dolphins fosters emotional engagement, encouraging communication and enhancing mood.
Therapy with small animals
Cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and other small animals have a gentle therapeutic effect:
- Relaxation and concentration. Their quiet and calm demeanor helps children focus, reduce stress levels and relax.
- Ease of interaction. Caring for a small pet, such as feeding or petting, teaches care and instills a sense of responsibility.
How do animal therapy sessions work?
Animal therapy sessions are conducted under the guidance of an experienced specialist who takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient. The sessions are aimed at creating trusting contact with the animal, developing social and emotional skills, as well as helping with adaptation and self-regulation.
Stages of the session
- Establishing contact with the animal Initially, the patient is introduced to the animal and learns how to interact with it. This may include petting, feeding or playing. The specialist helps to overcome fears and tensions by creating a safe and comfortable environment.
- Interaction and training Once contact has been established, active interaction with the animal begins: giving commands, performing exercises or playing games. These activities develop social skills, teach focus and improve motor skills.
- Skill development At this stage, activities are aimed at developing self-regulation, social skills and emotional stability. Interacting with the animal helps the patient to better manage their emotions and improve concentration.
- Each session is tailored to meet the specific goals of the therapy and the individual needs of the patient. For children with autism, playful activities are commonly incorporated, while adults typically engage in more structured exercises aimed at developing practical skills.
Scientific research and evidence of the effectiveness of animal therapy
Scientific studies show that animal therapy aids individuals with autism in enhancing focus, lowering stress, and building social skills.
Key research findings:
- Enhanced attention and focus: Children with autism who engage with animals show improved concentration.
- Decreased stress and anxiety: Interaction with animals has a calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Growth in social and communication skills: Animal interaction boosts confidence and fosters the development of social abilities.
An example is a study in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders where children who spent time with dogs showed improvements in social interactions and decreased aggression.
Additional research:
- According to the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, therapy dogs have been shown to help lessen aggression in children with autism.
- Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders highlights that hippotherapy leads to improvements in coordination and a reduction in social anxiety.
How do I choose the right type of therapy?
The selection of animal therapy is based on the specific needs and preferences of the individual with autism.
- Hippotherapy (horses): For those in need of physical activity, hippotherapy is a great option. Working with horses promotes improved coordination and boosts confidence.
- Cats and small animals: Cats, guinea pigs, and rabbits are ideal for soothing interactions. These animals help promote relaxation and lower stress levels.
- Dolphin therapy. If the goal is to stimulate speech, dolphin therapy would be ideal. Swimming with dolphins helps develop cognitive skills and improve communication.
- Consultation with professionals. Before choosing a therapy, it is important to consult with doctors or specialists to find the most appropriate option for the patient.