Dolphins can help children with autism
Dolphins are one of the most intelligent animals in the world. Researchers found out that they can help people who suffer from neurological disorders, especially autistic children. Dolphin therapy is claimed to increase speech and motor skills of children with autism, however, it’s still a controversial topic.
Dolphins are popular in human culture because of their friendly appearance and loveable attitude, in Greek myths, dolphins are helpers of the Minoans, messengers of Poseidon. Recently, Dr. Ken Marten at Sea Life Park in Hawai’i demonstrated that dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors, and, they are also sentient, fully conscious, with complex language of their own. Nowadays, Dolphins are among the most popular choices of animal-assisted therapy for children with autism, Down’s syndrome, depression and other developmental disabilities and psychological problems. In dolphin assisted therapy (DAT) programs, kids on the Autism Spectrum could swim with dolphins in natatorium, and having lessons on land. Commonly, kids are delighted to pet and play with dolphins, but there is no scientific evidence to prove that the dolphin therapy is effective.
“It provides me with hope, more than anything,” said Omar Ramos, whose son, John-Ross, has autism. “I want my child to be able to experience a lot of different things, and so it gives me a lot of hope, especially when I see him being able to do stuff in the water or with the dolphin, even with a computer.”
Many children would enjoy playful interaction with a dolphin, however, dolphin therapy can not “cure” autism as other therapies. But, it can make kids happy, so it’s still worth a try.
First, do you really need an autism service dog?
Special trained dogs can help people with disability to become more independent, including people with autism. For adults and teens, an service dog is much more practical, because they are capable of handling the dog by themselves. At the same time, it doesn’t mean that autistic children cannot have service dogs, on the contrary, they could benefit kids with autism in a lot of ways. For example, if the child doesn’t come or respond when called, the dog can help you find him/her quickly, especially in school or other public places. Also, the dog could help the child become more social with their peers. These are the bright side of an autism service dog, but, you have to look at the dark side also to make an final decision. The dark side is that the child cannot take care of the dog, the parent have to look after the dog, too. And the fee of an autism service dog is very high. Besids, a dog has about the same intelligence as a three year old, would you trust a three year old with the care of your child? Ok, all things considered, let’s suppose that you still want a dog, then you must pay attention to the following questions.
Second, what is the right Service Dog breed for autistic people?
These dog breeds are recommended for people on the autism spectrum, Newfoundland, bloodhound, border collie, Yellow Labs, golden retriever or other highly intelligent breed. Many large dogs are great with kid, gentle and peaceful. Try to avoid small dogs. I cannot say which breed is the best for children with autism, after all every autistic person is different. You may need to hire an animal behavioral consultant to pick up a dog with you and your child. You can choose several most gentle dogs and bring them outside to meet your child to see which one can socialize with her/him best.
Third, how to pick up an autism service dog?
Proper training is the key in an autism service dog. Official service dogs are strictly trained on how to behave with people. Also, the match of the personality of the dog and the child is very important.
Horseback riding therapy for autism
We came back from horseback riding therapy for autism. My daughters respite worker and a little old lady who works at the stable was leading her horse. The horse got spooked and took off running and it ripped the rieigns out of our respite workers hands and out of the little old lady?? hands who was leading the horse but it took longer for her to let go so the horse dragged her a few feet.
I was watching and screaming whoa, not that it did any good but I didn?? know what to do to get the horse to stop. It was very scary and I felt helpless because my daughter was on the horse as it took off running. She was laughing and enjoy the ride until his speed threw her from the horse. I was horrified as I watched her fly through the air. All I have to say is my little girl is one tough cookie.I thought she was going to get back up and say let?? do that again. She didn?? but she didn?? seem very effected by the fact that she had just gotten thrown from the horse but my respite worker was so upset she was crying because she felt it was her fault that my daughter got thrown. When my daughter saw her crying she began crying. So I right away went over to calm our respite worker down while my husband was on the ground with my daugther. I did feel that it was better for all of us to remain calm rather than get upset because it would be harder to find out if my daughter actually got hurt. She appears to be ok. I think she is going to be sore tomorrow but she was not affected much by that whole incident. But I have to say being the one standing on the sidelines watching it, it all looked very scary. We have one more week left of the fall sessions and I don?? know if I am going to go back.
They always tell the kids to keep their feet in the stirrups but I think that is scary to do that because if my daughters feet got stuck in those stirrups the horse would have dragged her as he raced around that barn. The other thing I don?? like is that the lady who runs it doesn?? seem to really understand autism at all. She talks to the kids like they totally understand everything she says and honestly my daughter can be as unpredicatable as that horse so I think this place needs to have a better understanding of autism and also their trained people should be leading those horses and those who know the rules of the barn so that they don?? spook the horse but us parents who know nothing about horses are out there leading them. It just seems way too dangerous of a combination. She tried telling me that this has never ever happened but I find that hard to believe. The horses they are using seem old and tired out. None of them wanted to trot. Thank God she is Ok.
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