On implementation of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in a school for children with special needs

Pets and animal companions have a beneficial influence in the social, cognitive and emotional lives of their human companions. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) capitalizes on this special human-animal bond by using trained animals as co-therapists alongside their human therapists to enhance the social and emotional well-being of people in clinical and non-clinical settings. There are many studies exploring the effectiveness of this approach but much of the research is located in the American, European and East-Asian countries while documentation of its application in India is limited to anecdotal accounts and conference proceedings. Being a relatively new therapy in India, this paper aims to inform practitioners about the process and possible challenges to be considered while planning and implementation of AAT as a schoolbased mental health program for children with special needs.

Data was collected using semi-structured interview with therapists working in schools catering to special needs children in Mumbai and greater Mumbai area.

The study highlights lack of awareness, cultural beliefs and fear of animals, safety concerns, training of therapists and funding as challenges faced by therapists in practice. Deliberations on the importance of education/awareness about this approach, training requirements, need for documentation and outcome-based studies are put forth.