How Animal-Assisted Therapy helps Children with Autism

 The famous philosopher, Martin Buber, once said, “An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”

Through human history, several animal species have evolved to form a special bond with humans, inspiring songs, books, paintings, and movies. While ancient humans needed animals for basic survival, including farming and security, we have grown to derive softer pleasures from their company, including therapeutic support and comfort.

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) can trace its roots way back to the ancient Greeks and through medieval times. Over the centuries and in various settings, it was noticed that animals had a positive effect on people suffering from physical or mental illnesses. In the 1960s, child psychologist and AAT pioneer, Dr Boris Levinson noticed that the presence of his dog, Jingles, had a comforting effect on his young patients, and thus the scientific concept of Animal-Assisted Therapy was born. Since then, it has evolved to become a significant method of providing emotional, physical, and social support to those who need it. Recent research has highlighted the success of Animal-Assisted Social Therapy in treating the symptoms of ASD in children.

What is ASD?

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social, behavioral, and communicative abilities. ASD may be present as early as six months of age and, depending on the severity, can cause impaired communication and social skills. To avail of the best Autism treatment in Bangalore, parents are advised to educate themselves about early symptoms of Autism as well as how to proceed if they are concerned about their children. Children with ASD may find it difficult to engage with their peers or elders, leading to being ostracized, criticized, and bullied. Studies have also shown that around 40% of people with ASD suffer from crippling anxiety, a condition that can be treated exceptionally well using AAT.

Types of Animal Assisted Therapies

Although all animals can be used for therapy, certain animals, such as mammals, are considered the best for the role. There are four main ways in which animals can be used, depending on the severity and type of symptoms.

●       Service animals: These are usually selected breeds of dogs, trained for service. They help children with ASD navigate spaces, avoid negative interactions, and offer comfort in stressful situations. Service dogs are also trained to stop their owners from harming themselves or others, as well as protect them if they wander away. Service dogs are also able to recognize and respond to seizures or other life-threatening situations.

●       Therapy animals: These may be any species – cats, dogs, guinea pigs, parrots, horses, and other animals. Their presence makes it easier for children with Autism to deal with the stress of travel, school, and medical visits. Therapy animals provide a focus for social communication, which helps motivate children to learn behavioral and practical skills, improving emotional reciprocity through ‘play’. Since these animals are usually covered in fur, hair, or feathers, they provide an outlet for different sensory cravings that ASD might cause. Usually, a clinical certification for the animals is required for them to be allowed into various settings.

●       Pets: For many with ASD, pets provide a unique emotional bond that lowers anxiety, allowing children to access what might otherwise be extremely stressful locations such as airports, classrooms, and so on. Pets also promote positive interactions with peers, as people are more likely to engage openly and without judgment in the presence of animals.

●       Equine therapy: Also known as horse therapy, this has been found to be effective for children with ASD struggling with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and behavioral problems. Since horses are known to be social and accepting animals, children find it easier to form relationships without the fear of issues that may arise with their peers such as abandonment, criticism, or rejection.

Other Treatment Options

Although Autism cannot be cured, there are several methods of therapy that can help treat the symptoms of ASD. Studies carried out have shown that certain animals can be used to help children with Autism to socialize more with other people, improve communication skills, and reduce loneliness.

Currently, the best Autism treatment in Bangalore involves a holistic approach to the treatment of ASD. The prophylactic options range from early screening to exploring treatment through Stem Cell Therapy and medication. To help improve communication skills, specialized therapy is offered in the form of Speech Therapy, and Occupational Behavioral Therapy, which includes sensory integration, behavior retraining, cognitive behavior, and social skills training.

Empathy and education are of the utmost importance, both to help parents understand their child’s needs and as well as to remove misconceptions about ASD. By the very nature of their role in assisted therapy, animals teach us that unconditional love can uplift those who need it, remove barriers, and break down boundaries.