Thai Elephant-assisted Therapy Program: The Feasibility in Assisting an Individual with Autism

Abstract

Occupational therapy has a history of using animals as part of the therapeutic medium. Few studies have investigated animal assisted therapy for individuals with autism whose profound impairments have been seen in social interaction, communication, and restricted interests. This study explored the feasibility of using the Thai elephant in a treatment program. The purposes of the study were to (1) create a new treatment program using a Thai elephant to assist the individual with autism; and (2) examine theeffect of the program and the feasibility of using it with individuals with autism. The new treatment program was created by a team of occupational therapists and elephant experts. The participants’ performance was examined before and after the treatment program. The results showed that the participants improved in adaptive behaviour, sensory processing, postural control, and balance after receiving three weeks of the programe. Parents also reported satisfaction with the program results.