Animal Therapies and Autism
You are currently viewing this item in Basic level. Alternative information may be available in Intermediate or Advanced.
Ranking : 
Type(s) : Other
Introduction
A group of therapies that involves a person with autism interacting with one or more animals in a variety of ways.
For example, the person with autism may
Use an assistance animal, usually a dog
Swim with or touch dolphins
Learn to ride and groom a horse
Keep a pet, such as a hamster or goldfish
Spend time with an elephant
Opinion
Because animal therapies are so diverse and wide-ranging, it is not possible to provide a ranking for this group of interventions as a whole.
Some therapies, such as dolphin or elephant therapy, present a number of ethical issues, and some physical threats, to both people and animals, which may be difficult to overcome.
Other therapies, such as the use of assistance dogs, may be beneficial to some individuals with autism. The benefits reported are not huge but do go some way to making life better for certain individuals.
For these reasons we believe that research into some, but not all, animal therapies may be warranted.
Disclaimer
Please read our Disclaimer about this intervention.
Last Updated : 17/01/2012 Back to Top
