An Investigation on the Effectiveness of “Dolphin Encounter for Special Children” (DESC) Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

According to Cochrane and Callen (1992), the use of animals for the purpose of providing therapeutic benefits to humans has been reported and published in several research studies (e.g., Iikura et al., 2001; Lukina, 1999; Nathanson, 1998), especially “in maintaining the equilibrium of the human mind and body” (p.31). Children with disabilities have been found to be positively impacted when they interact with animals such as cats, dogs, horses, or dolphins. In the findings of one study, Law and Scott (1995) reported that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) have benefited from pet care program using animals like hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and fishes in the following areas: (1) their anxiety or fear level associated with animal contact decreased significantly; (2) responsibility through pet-care routines, such as feeding, cleaning and caring for the pet, was inculcated; and (3) problem-solving skills related to pet-care activities were developed over time. In addition, Law and Scott (1995) also highlighted the improvements in their subjects’ selfconfidence, social interaction, receptive and expressive language skills, and problemsolving skills.