Dog therapy

In animal-assisted therapy, a trained therapist uses animals as part of a therapy plan. For example, the therapist might use a therapy dog to help a child learn communication skills. The therapy might involve encouraging the child to talk to the dog. Animal-assisted therapy can be used for people with a wide range of medical, developmental and emotional needs, including autistic people.

Supporters of animal-assisted therapy say it can help autistic children learn empathy, communication and social skills. There’s no evidence that animal-assisted therapy can change the characteristics of autism.

Animal-assisted therapy comes from studies of human-animal interaction and human-animal bonding. This field looks at the relationship between animals and humans. The theory is that animals are a source of calming, non-judgmental support and can help with communication and social interaction. Some low-quality studies have found that animals might help autistic people develop sensory, social skills and early communication skills. Animals might also help people manage their behaviour and stress. More high-quality research is needed to find out whether animal-assisted therapy is effective.

Animal-assisted therapy usually involves a series of sessions with a therapist and an animal. Children can do the sessions at home or school or in a clinic. They can do the sessions in a group or individually.

Animal-assisted therapy most often involves dogs. But it can also involve horses, guinea pigs, cats, ferrets, birds, farm animals and zoo animals.

Depending on an individual child’s needs, the therapy usually involves 6-12 sessions.