‘P’awesome doctors help autistic kids heal better

People with autism have a problem in expressing themselves. Physical gestures like shaking or violent outbursts are a way to vent out their anger or frustration. “We often see that autistic kids are more involved with gadgets. That’s because gadgets, unlike humans, neither change or judge. People with autism are sensitive and most of the time keep the human contact minimal,’ says Dr Partheeban, founder of Swabhimaan Trust, working for holistic development and welfare of people with autism. 

Explaining further, he says, “When it comes to emotional development, we have trained dogs coming to our centre to spend time with them. When it comes to animals, communication happens at a non-verbal level and people with autism tend to interact with them with ease, because, unlike humans, there is no reciprocation required.”

Pavittra Aroon an educationalist takes her Golden Retriever, Bumble to an autism school twice a week and the response has been positive so far. “Bumble has been trained and is extremely good with kids. We have a 15-year-old boy who has autism. One day he was extremely restless and had violent outbursts. We were asked to give him some space. Interestingly, he came to Bumble and started talking to him. He went on to pour his heart out to the animal. Dogs are patient and they listen. These kids feel they are not judged by the dogs,” says Pavittra. 

Golden Retrievers and Labradors are the most common breeds used for therapy. “It is important that the temperament of the dog has to be tested to make sure they socialise well and stay patient with kids. During therapy sessions they are most likely to be poked, pulled or even sat upon and be smacked. While we train them, we have to ensure that the dog does not react to any of these,” says Rohini Sankar, a US certified animal behaviour counsellor therapist and trainer.