Animal-assisted Interventions for Individuals With Autism by Merope Pavlides

Author:Merope Pavlides [Pavlides, Merope]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: General, Psychology, Family & Relationships, Psychopathology, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Autism, Children with Special Needs, Child, Child & Adolescent, Psychotherapy, Dogs, Autistic Disorder - therapy, Horses, Nature, Bonding; Human-Pet, Dolphins, Animals, Autism - Patients - Rehabilitation, Patients, Therapeutic use, Rehabilitation, Animals - Therapeutic use, Human-animal relationships
ISBN: 9781843108672
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published: 2008-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

COMPANION ANIMALS · 109

Although it is difficult to completely predict behavior of a shelter or rescue animal, it is possible to minimize potential problems through careful matching of animals and owners. Colleen Pelar (2005) lists three important requisite characteristics a family dog must have in her wonderful book Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing your Mind as being:

· friendly and social

· will not guard food, toys, or other objects

· energy level compatible with your family’s and with the amount of time your family has to spend with the dog.

(p.18)

All of these recommendations are especially important when a child with autism is involved. Understanding how to read canine body language (or taking along someone who does) is extremely valuable. I have encountered a number of families who, for example, chose a dog that seemed

“quiet” or “calm” because they feared an exuberant dog might frighten their children. What becomes apparent after adopting the dog, however, is that the dog is not relaxed, but rather highly fearful. This is not the kind of dog that belongs in a house with children, especially if a child with autism is present.

Before a pet comes home, it is also important for parents to discuss what choices they will make about behavior management for both the dog and the children. I cannot overemphasize this point: both the pet and the children will need “training” in how to interact with each other. Pets should not be expected to (and cannot be counted on to) tolerate inappropriate treatment by children, special needs or otherwise. For individuals on the autism spectrum, animal interaction techniques can be taught just like any other skill—and pet training can be a truly engaging inclusive family activity, one in which the individual with autism can be equally as successful as siblings and parents.

Choosing a trainer

Although it is certainly possible to train a pet without guidance from a trainer, many people find consulting with a professional extremely helpful. Choosing the right trainer for the pet and family will go a long 110 · ANIMAL-ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM

way toward making the training experience pleasant for all concerned.

The business of dog training is unregulated, however. No specific education or experience is necessary before advertising yourself as a trainer.

There are, however, professional organizations that articulate standards and methodologies, and now provide certification to members who have completed requirements. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) both require demonstration of education and client experience before offering certification, and maintain listings of certified members on their websites (see the Resources in Appendix 1). Dog trainers may also be located—both in the US and internationally—through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) (see Resources in Appendix 1).

The central dialogue (and I’m being euphemistic here) that occurs in the dog training profession involves positive reinforcement training versus methods that combine positive reinforcement with punishment.

The organizations mentioned in the previous paragraph are primarily oriented toward positive methods only. Although I have no

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