When talking to people Im often times reminded that the definition of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is still rather unclear for a lot of people; and different concepts and approches are all mixed up without any differentiation. The following definition is a quote from Pet Partners: The formal definition of animal-assisted therapy is: AAT is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialized expertise, and within the scope of practice of his/her profession. AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning [cognitive functioning refers to thinking and intellectual skills]. AAT is provided in a variety of settings and may be group or individual in nature. This process is documented and evaluated. (From Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy) The Key Features of AAT: * There are specified goals and objectives for each individual. * Progress is measured. Examples of AAT: * Improving fine motor skills. To improve the client’s fine motor skills, the therapist has the client manipulate buckles, clasps on leashes, collars, and animal carriers. The client also opens containers of treats for the animal partner and feeds small pieces of food to the animal partner. * In an animal-assisted therapy session designed to improve a client’s ability to sequence events, i.e. a therapist teaches a client the steps of brushing a dog. Motivated by the opportunity to brush the dog himself, the client remembers the steps, and the therapist has the client recite the order of events aloud as he goes through the actual sequence. * Animal Assisted Reading and literacy programs. * Animal Assisted Pedagogics Goals of AAT: - Improve fine motor skills. - Improve wheelchair skills. - Improve standing balance. - Mental Health. - Increase verbal interactions. - Increase attention skills (i.e., paying attention, staying on task). - Develop leisure/recreation skills. - Increase self-esteem. - Reduce anxiety. - Reduce loneliness. - Educational. - Increase vocabulary. - Aid in long- or short-term memory. - Improve knowledge of concepts such as size, color, etc. - Motivational. - Improve willingness to be involved in a group activity. - Improve interactions with others. - Improve interactions with staff. - Increase exercise. On the other hand, there are Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) The formal definition of Animal-Assisted Activities is: AAA provides opportunities for motivational, educational, recreational, and/or therapeutic benefits to enhance quality of life. AAA are delivered in a variety of environments by specially trained professionals, and/or paraprofessionals, in association with animals that meet specific criteria. (from Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy) What does this really mean? Animal-assisted activities are basically activities that involve pets interacting/ being involved with one or several people during an activity. The same activity can be repeated with many people, unlike a therapy program that is tailored to a particular person or medical condition. Examples of AAA include but are not limited to programs for safe child-dog interactions and dog bite prevention programs; planned and structured activity programs in day activity centers for the elderly or clients with intellectual deficiencies (such activities can include memory, communication, interaction activities). The Key Features of AAA: * Specific treatment/ therapeutic goals are not planned for each visit, however a longterm goal can be set for certain activities that occur on a regular basis. * Treatment providers are not required to take detailed notes; however, it is recommended for a efficient follow-up for specific activities. Some organisations include Animal Visits in their list of AAA programs, however Animal Visit programs are to be differentiated from AAT and AAA as the visit content is spontaneous and visits last as long or as short as needed. No therapeutic, educational, pedagogic objective is set for these visits, nor do the animal handlers have to be trained professionals. Examples of Animal Visits: * A group of volunteers takes their dogs and cats to a nursing home once a month to visit. The visit occurs as a large-group activity with some direction and assistance provided by facility staff. The volunteer group facilitator keeps an informal log about who was visited. * An individual brings her dog to a childrens long-term care facility to play with residents. Although the staff is involved in the visits, the staff has not set treatment goals for the interactions. Aside from signing in and out, no records are kept. * A dog obedience club gives an obedience demonstration at a residential facility for teenagers with delinquent behaviour. Understanding the Differences Between AAT, AAA, and animal visits. The following are some important criteria that will help to tell the difference. Although AAA may have one or more of the characteristics listed under the AAT criteria, AAT must have all six. AAT is a more formal process than AAA. Animal visits usually respond to only one criteria. Animal Visits: * Casual “meet and greet” activities that involve pets visiting people. * No specific treatment goals * Visit can be as long or short as desired Animal Assisted Activities: * No specific treatment goals, however educational, motivational goals are usually set. * Same activity can be used with many people. *Detailed noted follow-up unnecessary, but recommended for regular activities with the same group * Visit content can be spontaneous or planned, but is very flexible. *Visit can be as long or short as desired Animal Assisted Therapy: * Significant part of treatment for many people who are physically, socially, emotionally or cognitively challenged * Stated goals for each session as well as a stated long-term objective * Individual treatment for each patient * Notes on patient progress taken at each session * Visit scheduled, usually at set intervals * Length of visit is pre-determined to best fit needs of patient
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 15:42:58 +0000