Effects of animal-assisted therapy on a child with autism |
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Jen Baról/Special to The Tribune
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Jennifer Baról's 20-minute video on "Effects of Animal-assisted Therapy on a Child with Autism" shows the bond that was built between boy and dog, and the transformation of Zachary |
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For more information about this study or video, please contact Jen Baról: jenbarol@yahoo.com |
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To an animal lover, it seems obvious that the presence of an animal would encourage healing. We feel a sense of comfort and calm as we stroke the soft fur of a quiet cat or feel the gentle nudge of a dog's nose. |
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But can an animal be used as a form of treatment in traditional medicine? |
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Jennifer Baról, a graduate student in the New Mexico Highlands University School of Social Work, headed up a research project to study whether animal-assisted therapy is a valid treatment tool. |
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Between July 2006 and November 2006, Baról conducted a 15-week study titled "The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on a Child with Autism". The study's purpose was to determine whether there is evidence that animal-assisted therapy helps increase social skills in children with autism. |
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The results were dramatic. Prior to working with Henry, an 8-year-old Australian cattle dog, 5-year-old Zachary struggled to communicate. He covered his eyes and his ears, he withdrew into corners and he threw tantrums when he couldn't get people to understand him. New activities stressed him out. He didn't know how to play with other people. He had never spoken a complete sentence. |
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After meeting Henry and building a bond with him, Zachary has transformed into a different child. He's more self-assured. He takes on new activities with curiosity. He is more aware of his surroundings and the needs of other people. |
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Most astonishing is how, halfway through the research project, Zachary spoke his first sentence. |
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It seems that for Zachary, animal-assisted therapy has opened up a new world.
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