Healing Thresholds Autism Therapy Topic Feed

Dolphin Therapy Comes to China

scottie — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Teaser:

Dolphin therapy has been introduced in China to children with autism.

Body:

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.

Original Article:

Dolphin Therapy Helps Autistic Children in China

Dolphin Therapy Added to Dubai Autism Center's Interventions

scottie — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:42:35 +0000

Teaser:

The Dubai Autism Center (DAC) has added dolphin therapy to its interventions for children with autism.

Body:

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."

Original Article:

original article

Dolphin Therapy: The Playful Way to Work toward the Next Step

scottie — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:45:13 +0000

Title	Dolphin Therapy: The Playful Way to Work toward the Next Step
Publication Type	Journal Article
Authors	Wermer M
Journal Title	EP Magazine
Year of Publication	2008
Volume	May
Pages	70-72
URL for Abstract	http://www.eparent.com/resources_ep_magazine/2008_Back_Issues_of_EP_Magazine.asp
Full Text	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?

scottie — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:02:25 +0000

Title	Dolphin Assisted Therapy: Can Swimming with Dolphins Be a Suitable Treatment?
Publication Type	Journal Article
Authors	Williamson C
Journal Title	Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology
Year of Publication	2008
Volume	50
Issue	6
Pages	477
URL for Abstract	http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18489459?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
Full Text	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.

Nemo the Dolphin Provides Fun Therapy

scottie — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:20:46 +0000

Teaser:

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.

Body:

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.

Original Article:

original article

Some Comments on Context Embodiment in Zootherapy: The Case of the Autidolfijn Project

scottie — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 18:12:41 +0000

Title	Some Comments on Context Embodiment in Zootherapy: The Case of the Autidolfijn Project
Publication Type	Journal Article
Authors	Servais V
Journal Title	Anthrozoos
Year of Publication	1999
Volume	12
Issue	1
Pages	5-15
URL for Abstract	http://www.bergpublishers.com/uk/anthroz/anthroz_backissues.htm
Full Text	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.