Animal therapy to the rescue of autism
By definition, pet therapy is defined as an individual or group intervention in which a selected and trained animal is introduced by a qualified practitioner (pet therapist) to a person whose emotional, motor, cognitive and social potential is to be developed.
Pet therapy is intended for people with special needs, such as those on the autism spectrum, as well as for those who are experiencing temporary or permanent difficulties, such as people who are grieving or depressed.
This type of intervention acts as a support to alternative therapy where the animal, controlled by the zootherapist, becomes a therapeutic means to connect with the individual who benefits from it. This form of therapy can be found in schools, hospitals, respite centers, speech therapy and occupational therapy clinics, nursing homes, etc.
Let's look at the benefits of this method of therapeutic assistance.
Origines
It is in England, more precisely in 1792, that animals were used for the first time within the framework of a mental improvement in institution. Indeed, Mr. William Tuke, having set up the York Retreat for individuals with mental disorders, proposed that the patients take care of the animals and, in doing so, realized that the individuals at this retreat were capable of taking responsibility for themselves.
In the nineteenth century, Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, also implemented a similar practice in a therapeutic setting using a turtle. She observed a decrease in stress in patients who were in the presence of the animal. Later in New York, after World War I, a hospital for traumatized soldiers used dogs as a therapy aid. The dogs appeared to reduce stress and increase the well-being of the hospitalized soldiers.
But modern pet therapy owes its origins to American psychiatrist Boris Levinson, the founding father of pet therapy. Indeed, in 1953, he made an incredible discovery concerning the usefulness of dogs in therapy.
It was during the visit of an autistic child in his office where his dog Jingles was present that this doctor realized the power of his dog on this child. The child, unable to communicate with the outside world, began to talk to the dog and even asked to come back to see him again because the animal had simply gone towards him to sniff and lick him. The animal, which provides this feeling of unconditional love, does not judge. This is how Pet Facilitated Psychotherapy was born.
The effects of pet therapy on people with autism [2]
Numerous studies mention that people with autism often suffer from problems related to stress, anxiety or depression. These psychological disorders have a direct impact on the premature mortality rate and the general health of the individuals affected.
In addition, several studies not limited to adults with autism have shown that interactions with animals reduce stress levels. In addition, improvements in social interaction and communication have also been noted. The hypothesis is that animals in therapeutic settings act as social catalysts. Patients become more willing to communicate with their social environment facilitating improved social interactions and communication.
It has been shown that the fact that animals communicate non-verbally may represent a more accessible form of interaction. Indeed, for a person with autism, a dialogue with a psychotherapist involves metacognitive aspects and a lot of introspection, which may make the patient uncomfortable.
However, some of the research results are disputed, as specialists consider that the sample size was sometimes too small, the diagnoses of autism were not always verified and the descriptions of the interventions lacked precision.
The type of animal
Dogs are preferred over all others for individuals with more social difficulties, especially when there is difficulty in making contact with others, for example with the autistic population. But there is no evidence that other types of animals would not facilitate relational development for this population. Other therapists have highlighted the effects of animals on health. For example, petting an animal lowers blood pressure and reduces mortality in heart patients. There is no limit to the type of animal that can be used: dog, cat, chicken, rabbit, hamster, parrot, etc. However, many large animals and some reptiles such as alligators or crocodiles are not easily controlled animals.
In particular, it is important that animals in pet therapy be able to handle a certain level of pressure. We must also take into consideration that our animal partners may be exposed to stressful situations such as seizures or an overdose of cuddles that could be invasive for them. In addition, it is not always easy to stay on top of the therapist's requests and to be attentive to the client's emotional needs without absorbing all that energy. This is why, of course, the pet therapist must ensure the well-being of his or her furry teammate and give him or her breaks and play periods to relax and rest.
This type of intervention acts as a support for alternative therapy where the animal, controlled by the zootherapist, becomes a therapeutic means to get in touch with the individual who benefits from it. This form of therapy can be found in schools, hospitals, respite centers, speech therapy and occupational therapy clinics, nursing homes, etc.
It was during the visit of an autistic child in his office where his dog Jingles was present that this doctor realized the power of his dog on this child. The child, unable to communicate with the outside world, began to talk to the dog and even asked to come back to see him again because the animal had simply gone towards him to sniff and lick him. The animal, which provides this feeling of unconditional love, does not judge. This is how Pet Facilitated Psychotherapy was born.
For an animal to be accepted into pet therapy, it must have at least the following traits:
• Enjoy human contact and be responsive.
• Have taken training courses, especially for dogs and even horses, in order to have basic obedience.
• To have a particular and rigorous medical follow-up, as well as an irreproachable hygiene at all times.
• Be well socialized, so it must not be aggressive, fearful, impulsive or stressed.
• Be mentally stable and calm no matter what the situation is.
Summary of the benefits of pet therapy
• Improve perception in space and time;
• Reduce the impression of malaise in the case of depression;
• Create a sense of responsibility;
• Develop and structure thought;
• Develop an interest in life in general;
• Avoiding withdrawal, especially for people in a state of sensory deprivation;
• Promote or reactivate communication;
• Reactivate memory;
• Recovering different emotions;
• To break with loneliness;
• Stimulate the intellect and self-esteem.
For more information, visit the Centre de zoothérapie communautaire de Saint-Sauveur-des-Monts (http://zootherapia.com/).
Sources :
Animal therapy: a long history....
[1] Definition taken from Fédération québécoise de l’autisme (FQA).
