Autism Therapy: dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT)

definition of dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT): Therapy that involves encounters between people with special needs and dolphins. Specially-trained therapists can be involved in working with children with autism during DAT.

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Dolphin Therapy: The Playful Way to Work toward the Next Step
EP Magazine, by Wermer, M., published in 2008, summarized Aug 26, 2008

A combination of behavioral therapy and dolphin therapy may be helpful for children with autism.

This article describes dolphin-assisted therapy and its use for children with special needs. The article focuses on the Curacao Dolphin Therapy Center that was designed to meet the needs of children three years and older who have a mental and/or physical disability. More than 400 children with special needs visit the center each year. A lot of time during the program is spent swimming with dolphins. The programs each last two weeks and, in many cases, parents feel that their children have been transformed by the therapy.


Dolphin Assisted Therapy: Can Swimming with Dolphins Be a Suitable Treatment?
Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, by Williamson, C., published in 2008, summarized Jul 14, 2008

Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) may not be effective, and has risks for both people and dolphins.

The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society urges caution for the sake of people and animals when thinking about dolphin therapy. There is no proof that dolphin assisted therapy works. Also, there are risks in putting weak people who are in need of therapy in the water with dolphins, which are large, strong animals. Dolphins are wild animals, even when highly trained, and can be hard to predict. Right now there are no rules for dolphin therapists and this can also increase the risk of dolphin therapy.


Some Comments on Context Embodiment in Zootherapy: The Case of the Autidolfijn Project
Anthrozoos, by Servais, V., published in 1999, summarized Jan 15, 2007

Dolphin therapy works best when the child forms a strong bond with the dolphin therapist.

This paper describes the Autidolfijn project, which was begun in 1991 in Belgium. The Autidolfijn project was designed to see whether swimming with dolphins caused increased learning in children with autism. While swimming with dolphins did have a positive effect on children with autism, the effect was probably not because of the dolphin. Instead, the effect was seen as a result of the relationship between the dolphin therapist and the child. Positive changes were only seen when the child and the therapist had bonded well.


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Dolphin Therapy Comes to China

Jun 2, 2010

Dolphin therapy has been introduced in China to children with autism. Over 100 children have had contact with dolphins. Parents of the children see improvement in their child’s speech and motor skills. One parent says, “We have been using the dolphin therapy for almost a year. Although my child's progress is slow, there is an obvious improvement. We have seen a real difference since she has come here to listen to the dolphins squeaking. Since she started the treatment, she can focus her attention longer and is not as quiet as before.” It has been only four years since China recognized autism as a disability.

Read original article: Dolphin Therapy Helps Autistic Children in China


Dolphin Therapy Added to Dubai Autism Center's Interventions

Jun 1, 2009

The Dubai Autism Center (DAC) has added dolphin therapy to its interventions for children with autism. Forty-five children now have the opportunity to play with, touch, feed, and communicate with dolphins. The dolphin therapy is conducted by occupational therapists (OT) and movement therapists. The parents are excited to have their children involved in the first center of this type in Dubai, "It is a good therapy and a great way of schooling. For our little boy, it has been a great experience as he could come back and name the different dolphins."

Read original article.


Nemo the Dolphin Provides Fun Therapy

Oct 8, 2007

Nemo the dolphin, and three of his fishy friends are used at the Curacao Dolphin Therapy and Research Centre (CDTC) to help autistic children with touch and eye contact. The CDTC, located in the Netherland Antilles, uses a dolphin, a therapist, and a secluded lagoon to work with children with autism to encourage interaction using hand strokes and eye contact.

Read original article.


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Please comment on this autism topic.

Aquatic Therapy

Sep 20, 2007 by Anonymous

Aquatic therapy can be a wonderful form of exercise and multisensory experience. Check out My Pool Pal (www.mypoolpal.com) which sells fabulous regular and Coast Guard approved flotation swim suits that allow full range of motion for arms and legs. My Pool Pal is a partner with many organizations that help to promote the benefits of Aquatic therapy such as the Easter Seals of Georgia, Coffee County Schools, National Safe Kids, Island Dolphin Therapy and the Marino Swim Central Program just to name a few. My Pool Pal offers flotation swimwear to children 20 lbs. - 70 lbs. and they also custom design suits for children and adults with special needs. Among the other products they offer are the reusable and disposable Swim-sters Swim Diaper which allow for children and adults to enjoy the water without fear of contamination. For children with special needs aquatic therapy can focus on therapeutic play-based functional movement, improving range of motion, helping to facilitate neurodevelopmental growth, improved body awareness, increased balance, sensory integration, mobility skills and most importantly....having fun!


Dolphin Therapy

Feb 28, 2007 by Anonymous

Dolphin therapy is being used more frequently with children with autism.

Please check out Curacao Dolphin Therapy and their services. 

 


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    • Synonyms for dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) include: DAT, dolphin assisted therapy, dolphin therapy, dophin-assisted therapy
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