“I’ve always loved cats. If someone only knows one thing
about me, it’s that I love cats. A few years ago, a lady in my
church needed a home for a stray tabby cat. She knew nothing
else about me, but she knew I love cats, and that’s how Lucy
came to be my kitty. I can’t explain the connection between
us. I can’t tell you how I know what Lucy is feeling instantly
when I touch her or how her purr helps me stay calm. I can’t
explain how I feel, but I think I can explain why. For once, it’s a
relationship that I don’t have to think about at every moment
and still fear I’ll mess it up. I don’t need words. I don’t need
social skills. I just need love, and I’m pretty sure Lucy would
tell you that’s exactly what she needs.”
~ Lydia Wayman
tions. Therapy cats come in all
sizes and breeds, but the most
important characteristic is a
suitable temperament. A good
therapy cat must be friendly,
patient, gentle, enjoy human
contact and be content to be
petted and handled, sometimes
clumsily. In many situations
cats can be more beneficial than
even dogs. Cats are less likely
to startle over a wheelchair
or moving IV pole, and they
certainly can be easier to carry
and transport to different destinations. Not to mention, playing with kitty is a surefire way
to improve your bad mood.
It’s hard not to laugh while
watching a feline friend chase a
feather-on-a-wand toy or bat a
toy mouse across the floor.
MONKEYS
Yup. You read that sub-header
correctly. Monkeys are now
being used not only as therapy
animals but also as SERVICE
ANIMALS. When you stop
and think about it, it actually
makes a lot of sense too. Capuchin monkeys have dexterous
hands and amazing fine motor skills. This enables them to
perform tasks such as opening
doors, turning pages of books,
pushing buttons of elevators,
retrieving dropped objects and
even repositioning limbs on a
wheelchair. Monkeys also have
hair like humans, which helps
to alleviate problems with
fur-related allergies that can
occur with some dogs and cats.
Capuchin monkeys have a long
life span, sometimes living
30 to 40 years, which usually
equates to more time with their
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ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
Possible benefits of working
with a therapy animal:
lowered blood pressure
reduced pain
decreased anxiety
reduced verbal and physical aggressiveness
increased communication and socialization
increased positive behavior
increased attention span
increased fine and gross motor coordination
(walking or grooming the animal)
improved core strength, body awareness
and muscle memory (riding horses)
an additional avenue for love,
attention and happiness
opportunities to laugh and simply
enjoy the antics of the animal
ZOOM Autism through Many Lenses
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