Research shows that as the number of children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder continues to rise worldwide, so does the demand for a popular treatment: therapy dogs.
The Psy Plus clinic that will officially open its doors on Saturday, February 22, offers help for kids and adults living with autism spectrum disorder as well as those living with other special needs. The staff members of the clinic pursue multidisciplinary treatments that include the work of mental hygiene professionals as well as seven therapy dogs.
Among the services offered is the usual therapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy and speech therapy); then the clinic also provides therapy with dogs. Therapy dogs function as motivators, helping people living with autism to overcome eventual obstacles. Research shows that interaction with animals reduces levels of cortisol (stress hormone) and increases oxytocin, which is responsible for the feeling of well-being and relaxation. In the presence of dogs, therapy is a more pleasant experience for the patients and results can be achieved earlier. Furthermore, in the case of children, therapy dogs facilitate the development of social relationships and interaction.
The idea of using dogs for therapy is not a new one in Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca. Specialists at the non-governmental organization called Dog Assist have been working with dogs to make peoples’ lives better since 2013. This is the group behind the idea that students living and studying in the city could use their dogs at the group’s facility for stress management during exams.
Their mission is also to promote and coordinate activities that contribute to the psycho-emotional, cognitive, social and educational development of as many beneficiaries as possible through animal-assisted therapy. The association also handles testing of therapy dogs, provides training of the dogs and their owners and performs research projects in the area of animal-assisted therapy as well.
Featured photo: worldcoo.com
