University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Poster Gallery
Preview
Creation Date
Spring 2016
Major
Therapeutic Recreation
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Michelle Davis Gerken
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Abstract
Animal Assisted Therapy is an emerging field in many different health professions. The purpose of this study is to explore the history, benefits, and success of AAT, specifically with dogs, for children who have disabilities. This study will propose the overall affect ATT has on children with a wide range of disabilities by using therapy to improve social, emotional, physical, and cognitive functions. ATT focuses on goal-directed interventions in which an animal is incorporated as an integral part of the clinical health care treatment process. The findings indicated that using therapy dogs could benefit children with disabilities by serving as an intervention and helping learn skills that result in better connection and relationships, and skills that can assist with self regulation and self control.
