Why Animal Assisted Therapy Is Important for Children and Youth

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Activities (AAA) have become well established in traditional physiological and psychological medicine in North America. While positive animal interaction is nothing new (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, many eastern and western cultures), the beneficial calming effects of therapy have only been well documented in the medical literature in the last 50 years. Animals have become common as hospital visitors and resident animals for treatment centers for children with special needs and of emotionally disturbed children. In this article, the author presents some of the reasons why animal therapy is beneficial for children with pervasive developmental disorders. He also discusses some of the concerns of parents about the potential risks related to animal ownership.