Jason decided to do his senior project on animal-assisted therapy (AAT) because as a child he was diagnosed with several disorders and found being around animals calmed him. His research showed that extensive training goes into therapy animals to ensure safety and effectiveness. AAT helps disabled children in physical, emotional, and social ways tailored to their specific needs. It also brings joy to children and families by helping shy children become more social. While some dispute AAT's benefits, Jason believes any therapy improving lives should be supported. He hopes to pursue a career in AAT or similar programs.

1. July 28, 2013
Jason Murphy
Senior Speech
Hello, my name is Jason Murphy. The reason I decided on AAT (animail assisted therapy)
for my senior project was because as a child I was diagnosed with ADHD, an aggressive behavior
disorder, and an impulsivity disorder. I was in third grade at the time and found most of the things
I did difficult and I had trouble concentrating. As I got older, being around animals (and once my
parents got our dog) made me feel calm and happy. I realized the effect that animals could have
on people.
In doing this research I learned that there is a great deal of work that goes into the training
and care for service and therapy animals. Each animal has it's own distinct personality and the
quality and care that goes into their training is immense. Every animal that is used in AAT is
watched and trained to insure everyones safety and that the person is getting the help they need.
By doing this graduation project, I not only learned how animal assisted therapy works but how
well it helps make a difference in a disabled childs life. I found that there is a difference in animal
assisted therapy and animal assisted activities. Animal assisted activities are less structured and
more geared more toward quality of life, whereas, animal assisted therapy is more focused on
physical, emotional as well as social function. I realized that the animals are all used in specific
ways that best helps the individual's specific disability.
One of the easiest things I found in doing this graduation project, is that there are so many
ways to help people with disabilities and the joys it brings to them and their family. Some children
are very shy and quiet, but with animal therapy, that seems to subside and they become more
social and aware. Although, learning that there are people who do not believe in this type of
therapy and the good it does, was a little difficult to for me to comprehend. I feel, if there is
anything that can improve a childs life, regardless of their disablity, then we should try and do
whatever we can to provide that person with every opportunity and resource available. In learning
these things and doing this research it has made me begin to really think about my future and I
am looking into becoming a part of the AAT program or similar programs.
I would like to thank you for your time and I hope you have learned a little about ATT from
my presentation that you may not have known. I would also hope that you, as I, see the benefits
that animals have on all of us.
Sincerely,
Jason Murphy