• Accessibility
• 
•    
• 
• CCC
• Text version
• Sign in
• Register

• Text version
•    

Where I Am: Home | Interventions | List | Dolphin Therapy

Recently viewed: Hyperbaric Ther… | Dolphin Therapy | Dolphin Therapy

Dolphin Therapy

You are currently viewing this item in Basic level. Alternative information may be available in Intermediate or Advanced.

To store this preference permanently register here

Ranking :

Type : Other

Introduction

There are many different kinds of dolphin therapy. The simplest involve the child swimming with, touching or ‘looking after’ dolphins.

The more complex therapies, such as Dolphin-Assisted Therapy (DAT), are based on structured programmes which are supposedly designed to meet the needs of the individual child.

In DAT the child is encouraged to complete one or more pre-determined tasks, such as placing a ring on a peg or saying a word. If the child completes the task to a satisfactory standard, he or she is rewarded by being allowed to interact with a dolphin.

This interaction may include touching or kissing the dolphin, or getting into the water and taking a ride holding onto the dolphin’s dorsal fin.

Opinion

There is currently limited scientifically valid or reliable evidence to support the use of dolphin therapy for people with autism spectrum disorders.

Dolphin therapy presents a number of ethical issues, and some physical threats, to both people and dolphins, which may be difficult to overcome. Of particular concern are the potential for aggressive behaviour by dolphins towards swimmers and the potential for disease transmission.

Alternatives to dolphin therapy are available, at a much lower financial cost and without the potential harm to the people and the dolphins involved.

More information

Please see the Advanced version of this page for more information about this intervention, including relevant research studies and details of how we ranked it.

Disclaimer

Please read our Disclaimer about this intervention.

Back to List of Interventions