Article: Potential Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

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Potential Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

Dawn Oakley OTR/L and Gail Bardin, OTR/L

Read entire article here:

http://www.kidneeds.com/diagnostic_categories/articles/animalassistedtherapy.htm

" The occupational therapist conducts the therapy session using the dog

as a modality to facilitate the development of skills needed by the

child to achieve independent functioning in the areas of self-help,

play and learning. The children react with excitement and enthusiasm,

always looking forward to the next visit from their " furry therapist. "

The children are also highly motivated to interact with the dog,

allowing the occupational therapist to facilitate the use of skills

needed for independence in such areas as: dressing; grooming; play

skills; cognitive skills and fine motor skills. The occupational

therapists involve the children in motivating activities that help

them achieve, to the greatest extent possible, the self-help, play and

learning skills appropriate for their individual age level. "