Dataset Information

Effects of a dolphin interaction program on children with autism spectrum disorders: an exploratory research.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Interaction programs involving dolphins and patients with various pathologies or developmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment, autism, atopic dermatitis, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression) have stimulated interest in their beneficial effects and therapeutic potential. However, the true effects observed in different clinical and psycho-educational setups are still controversial.

Results

An evaluation protocol consisting of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Psychoeducational Profile-Revised (PEP-R), Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), Theory of Mind Tasks (ToM Tasks) and a custom-made Interaction Evaluation Grid (IEG) to evaluate behavioural complexity during in-pool interactions was applied to 10 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The ATEC, ToM Tasks and CARS results show no benefits of the dolphin interaction program. Interestingly, the PEP-R suggests some statistically significant effects on 'Overall development score', as well as on their 'Fine motor development', 'Cognitive performance' and 'Cognitive verbal development'. Also, a significant evolution in behavioural complexity was shown by the IEG.

Conclusions

This study does not support significant developmental progress resulting from the dolphin interaction program.

SUBMITTER: Salgueiro E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3468398 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Effects of a dolphin interaction program on children with autism spectrum disorders: an exploratory research.

Salgueiro Emílio E Nunes Laura L Barros Alexandra A Maroco João J Salgueiro Ana Isabel AI Dos Santos Manuel E ME

BMC research notes 20120426

<h4>Background</h4>Interaction programs involving dolphins and patients with various pathologies or developmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, intellectual impairment, autism, atopic dermatitis, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression) have stimulated interest in their beneficial effects and therapeutic potential. However, the true effects observed in different clinical and psycho-educational setups are still controversial.<h4>Results</h4>An evaluation protocol consisting of the Childhood ...[more]

PMID: 22537536

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Dataset Information

Effects of a dolphin interaction program on children with autism spectrum disorders: an exploratory research.

Background

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Effects of a dolphin interaction program on children with autism spectrum disorders: an exploratory research.

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