A child with special needs processes the world around them in ways that might vastly differ from our own perception, but that does not mean there is anything wrong with them. These children have a unique perspective on life that causes them to experience things in their own way, and it is our job as parents and educators to make sure we speak their language instead of forcing them to rely on our own.

If you are the parent to a child with special needs, you understand the struggles your child is facing on a daily basis and how emotionally troubling it can be for both of you. There are a number of different therapies available that can help your child’s development in several areas – physical, emotional, mental and behavioral – and each one presents a unique treatment plan tailored to your child’s own needs and goals. If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional therapies commonly available, try animal therapy instead.

What Is Animal Therapy?

Research shows that animals have the natural ability to improve our mood, lower our blood pressure and provide a pleasurable rush of feel-good chemicals; for children with special needs animals play an incredibly important role.

Everyone finds different ways to relax and unwind, and they’re not always the same as the next person. You might like to listen to music and read, but your husband likes to watch sports and work out. For a child with special needs, relaxation might be harder to come by, which is why an animal can work its therapeutic magic without the child ever knowing. Animals are naturally trusting and want to be accepted, just like children, and don’t judge us humans by our disabilities or limitations. A few hours a day or week with an animal can do wonders for a child with special needs.

Dogs and horses are the animals most used for animal therapy. They are able to be easily trained and are often calm and quiet to be around, which are great qualities for children that might get upset by barking or sudden movements. Having a dog assist with animal therapy can encourage interactive play, communication skills and showcase the appropriate behaviors when dealing with animals. The child can teach them basic commands which help with self-confidence, self-esteem, language, and delight in how the animal responds to their actions. During animal therapy with a dog, the child might be able to hug or kiss the animal and get affection in return. This unconditional acceptance can be a much-needed bright spot in a child with special need’s day.

Equine therapy uses horses to help children with varying disabilities or handicaps. It can teach help them strengthen their core so they can learn to sit on their own, or it can help with sensory issues dealing with the tactile, visual and auditory. Actually touching a horse, feeling it breathe, can help connect a child with special needs to the animal in a unique way while helping them with a variety of conditions or disorders. Brushing a horse or buckling a saddle can help improve fine motor skills in a calming environment, and can elevate a bad mood in no time.

How Animal Therapy Works

Sessions with an animal therapist can take place in a number of settings, as long as it’s comfortable for the child and doesn’t provide any unnecessary stressors. The environment in which animal therapy takes place might need to be modified to accommodate the child’s unique limitations, as well. The therapist will spend some time introducing your child to the animal upon initial contact, letting your child get used to the idea of the animal and learn its behaviors. The pace of the session depends on your child’s level of comfort with the animal and environment, but will eventually increase to meet specified goals.

As your child becomes at ease around the animals, more tasks will be added to help overcome their personal barriers. Because the setting is fun, as the child becomes more focused on the animal and their own interactions learning will become second nature. A number of skills can be improved during animal therapy sessions, and they are not only limited to physical and emotional. Children with ADHD might learn how to focus on specific tasks while keeping the animal calm; children with autism might experience increase spatial awareness and better social skills than with regular therapy alone.

How to Seek Animal Therapy Services

If your child will be starting school for the first time or begin special education services, different forms of therapy will be discussed during the initial meeting for your child’s Individualized Education Plan, or IEP. This is a conference between you, your child’s teachers and school officials, and various specialists who are familiar with your child’s special needs. You will agree upon various terms for treatment and set clear, definable goals that the school will work towards reaching with your child. If you would like animal therapy as an alternative treatment to traditional therapy, let the school know. They can work with you to procure viable services for your child with special needs.

Speak with your child’s current therapists or insurance carriers, as well. Animal therapy is a recognized therapy service; most therapists will know where to direct you for this unique service, and it might even be covered under your child’s insurance plan. No matter why you are seeking animal therapy services for your child with special needs, there is an animal out there just waiting to be loved by your child.

Special Education Resource is working to provide alternative methods of learning for your child through one-on-one tutoring and customizable student sessions. Every child is special and unique in their own way, and we celebrate those differences through specialized learning. There is no right or wrong way to get your child the help they need, so seek to find the services that benefit your child in the way they need the most. Remember, we’re here to help – you’re not alone!