This document discusses animal-assisted therapy and strategies. It summarizes two research studies that found animal-assisted therapy improved social interactions and behaviors in children with autism or who were at-risk. Animal-assisted therapy aims to support cognitive, emotional, physical functionality and social skills through interactions with animals like dogs, horses, and dolphins. It is gaining recognition for helping reduce anxiety and depression while teaching life skills.

1. Animal-Assisted Strategies
GAINING TRACTION & RECOGNITION
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By: Missy Freeman

2. Outline
Research Studies
Interesting Facts
What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Goals
Why Animal-Assisted?
Commonly used Animals
Conclusion
References
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3. Research Study #1
Occupational Therapy Incorporating Animals for Children With Autism: A Pilot Investigation (Sam, Fortney, Willenbring, 2006).
The purpose of this study was to explore social interactions and language use by using traditional occupational therapy methods compared to animal-assisted methods in autistic children between the ages of seven and thirteen. ARGOSY UNIVERSITY 3

4. Research Study #2
This study demonstrates the improvements in student behaviors by utilizing Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC) verses classroom-based counseling. The students identified in this study were high risk for social or academic failures. ARGOSY UNIVERSITY 4
A comparative study of the Efficacy of Group Equine Assisted Counseling With At-Risk Children and Adolescents (Trotter, 2008).

5. Did you know…
One of the largest organizations, Delta Society, says their Pet Partners program has over 10,500 human-animal teams in the U.S. and five other countriesand visits 1,000,000 individuals each year.
Pet Partners marks this year their 33rdAnniversary.
Florence Nightingale noted in the early 19thcentury that small birds in her patients rooms provided comfort, therefore promoting healing.
There is approximately 90% of the population going unserved who could benefit from AAT (AHA, 2008).
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6. Interesting Facts
1. Animal-assisted therapy is not dependent upon a specific theory.
2. They are not service animals.
3. They include a number of animals in addition to dogs and horses.
4. The animals help varying individuals with a variety of causes in a number of different settings. ARGOSY UNIVERSITY 6

7. What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
“Animal-assisted therapy” includes a detailed and diligently planned program focused on psychological and socially integrative interventions with animals for individuals of all ages with cognitive, social-emotional, motoric disabilities, and behavioral problems. The primary function of the animals is additional support. It also includes preventative, rehabilitation and health promoting measures.
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8. Goals of Animal-Assisted
•Maintenance and restoration of cognitive, emotional and physical functionality.
•Support and further developing of skills and identifying capabilities by participating in treatments and interaction based activities.
•Given a particular life situation, support of inclusiveness.
•Improved overall health and well-being.
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9. Why Animal Assisted?
To Reduce Anxiety/Depression
Subtly teach the proper care, nutrition and exercise
Develop Social Skills
Takes the focus off of the individual and direct the attention to the animal for hands on interactions.
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10. Most Used Therapy Animals
Animals help provide healing and companionship to people with special needs. Here are the most utilized around the world:
Alpacas
Miniature Horses
Dolphins
Dogs
Monkeys
Horses
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11. Conclusion
"Animal-assisted therapy is gaining acceptance, but it is still somewhat out of the box," says Lyons. "The next step is to educate people and help them understand that it is more than just petting animals --it's therapy."
Linda Lyons, MSW, LICSW, a clinical social worker who works as part of an AAT team from Mercy Hospital Medical Center.
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12. References
Mona J. Sams, Elizabeth V. Fortney, Stan Willenbring; Occupational Therapy Incorporating Animals for Children With Autism: A Pilot Investigation. Am J OccupTher2006;60(3):268-274. doi: 10.5014/ajot.60.3.268. A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Group Equine Assisted Counseling With At-Risk Children and Adolescents
Kay SudekumTrotter, Cynthia K. Chandler, Deborah Goodwin-Bond, Janie Casey Journal of Creativity in Mental HealthVol. 3, Iss. 3, 2008
www.deltasociety.org/AAT
"Animal Assisted Therapy". American Humane Association
Kahn, P W. (1997). Developmental psychology and the biophiliahypothesis: Children's affiliation with nature. Dev. Rev. 17, 1-61.
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