Animal Assisted Intervention
What would motivate you more- intervention with or without a furry friend?
Animal-assisted intervention 'is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process'.
For example, teaching commands to a therapy dog can create opportunities to build social skills of children with Autism.
AAT works well with children with autism, ADHD, PDD and any emotional & behavioural issues. It can help individuals achieve physical, social, educational and motivational goals.
Physical Benefits
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Improve fine motor skills
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Improve gross motor skills
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Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
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Sensory integration
Social Benefits
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Facilitates verbal interactions
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Increases spontaneous expression
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Boosts confidence and self esteem
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Reduces anxiety
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Shapes positive behaviours
Educational
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Improves description and articulation skills
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Enhances focus and attention span
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Develops the skills to listen to and follow instructions
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Increases vocabulary
Motivational
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Creates opportunities to try out new behaviours
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Enables individuals to open up
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Innately helps shift focus from 'inwards' to 'outwards'
It is ideal for children who are-
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Hyperactive and find it difficult to follow instructions/ structure
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Have difficulty with speech and language
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Emotional and behavioural issues
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Unable to form relationships with peers
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Low on self esteem and confidence
Our Animal Assisted Intervention Team
Zahra is a licensed Mental Health Professional/ Psychologist with more than eight years of experience. Alongside her regular clinical practice, she is a certified Animal Assisted Therapist, her casework includes children exhibiting emotional and behavioural issues, and autism.
Chubby is a trained therapy dog and has built up experience working with children with autism, people and children of determination and those who have a fear of dogs. She is extremely calm making her the perfect dog to work with nervous children.