| Dolphins are one of the most intelligent animals in the | | | | dolphin assisted therapy (DAT) programs, kids on the |
| world. Researchers found out that they can help | | | | Autism Spectrum could swim with dolphins in |
| people who suffer from neurological disorders, | | | | natatorium, and having lessons on land. Commonly, kids |
| especially autistic children. Dolphin therapy is claimed to | | | | are delighted to pet and play with dolphins, but there is |
| increase speech and motor skills of children with | | | | no scientific evidence to prove that the dolphin therapy |
| autism, however, it's still a controversial topic. | | | | is effective. |
| Dolphins are popular in human culture because of their | | | | "It provides me with hope, more than anything," said |
| friendly appearance and loveable attitude, in Greek | | | | Omar Ramos, whose son, John-Ross, has autism. "I |
| myths, dolphins are helpers of the Minoans, | | | | want my child to be able to experience a lot of |
| messengers of Poseidon. Recently, Dr. Ken Marten at | | | | different things, and so it gives me a lot of hope, |
| Sea Life Park in Hawaii demonstrated that dolphins | | | | especially when I see him being able to do stuff in the |
| can recognize themselves in mirrors, and, they are also | | | | water or with the dolphin, even with a computer." |
| sentient, fully conscious, with complex language of their | | | | Many children would enjoy playful interaction with a |
| own. Nowadays, Dolphins are among the most popular | | | | dolphin, however, dolphin therapy can not "cure" autism |
| choices of animal-assisted therapy for children with | | | | as other therapies. But, it can make kids happy, so it's |
| autism, Down's syndrome, depression and other | | | | still worth a try. |
| developmental disabilities and psychological problems. In | | | | |