Good Dogs and Good Vibes
April 14, 2008 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
There’s been more and more stories about therapy dogs for autistic children (indeed. here’s an organization called Autism Service Dogs of America. But what about a seal?—–a therapeutic robot seal named Paro, that is?
Paro is $5000: Personally, I think I’ll stick to providing Charlie with fleece blankets and jackets, and hats and gloves for their soft feel. And to the cello for good vibrations. He’s been learning to play the different strings—plucking A and D, and bowing G and C, and something about pulling the bow over those deep and low strings always makes Charlie smile.
(And me too, but you knew that.)
Sounds like Paro was devised as a companion for lonely and older people. I think when I get old and lonely I’d rather spend my 5K paying for the company of a great nurse, or maybe a trip to Europe or the Caribbean if I’m still healthy.
As for the service dogs, I’ll wait til my son gets older and see if he’ll really need one – I heard they’re great to help autistic people navigate the streets, crossing in heavy traffic, etc. But I don’t think it’s a great therapy to teach autistic children to communicate more effectively with other people.
Charlie is still hesitant about dogs—-not asking to be carried when he sees them (not that I could carry anymore) but sometimes getting off his bike when he sees one.
I think it depends on the circumstances–some situations do not allow for pets, even if one has the $$, and other people living alone or with significant medical condition might find a pet requiring a great deal of care beyond their abilities. $5000 is a great deal of money–it will be interesting to see whether the cost goes down or this truly has the therapeutic aspects claimed. It would be nice if it does, since it would be a practical application of robotics beyond novelty items and manufacture.
I don’t have a service dog, although I know some trainers. I think that interaction with these (well-trained) dogs allows building of a relationship that doesn’t necessarily depend on skill level and may act as a scaffold to the more demanding and sometimes unpredictable interactions of people. A dog companion also can give the child a little more cachet in situations where peer interactions are of interest. There is also the safety component as a bonus.
Unfortunately the cost of these dogs is also rising as the demand does. I’m not sure we are at the point where we are seriously pursuing a service dog, but I have thought about it.
The seal is cute looking. I wonder what it does that is robotic? Does it make seal noises? That would be weird.
Our dogs are not therapy dogs but they sure do add a lot to M’s life. I can’t imagine not having pets. I will also add that her guinea pigs are very very theraputic for her. They are so lovable and just sit on her lap as she pets them for a long time. I had no idea they were so friendly. I think there should be guinea pig therapy too.
Hello,
I just wanted to comment on the therapy dog. My son is now 10 years old and has ASD/aspergers. christian was hardly speaking just pointing. When he was a little over a year we got him a puppy. She was the best thing in his life. She is a Shiba Inu. This breed is known not to bark. She is a medium size dog and our Sarah is wonderful. Christian bonded with her very well. They are still best of friends. He held her at night and I swear if it wasn’t for her he would have never learn to read. At three years old he spent most of his time talking with her. . I was happy he was starting to say three word sentences. And as he got older he would lay on her and read to her. This breed adapts to the owner not the owner adapting to the breed. The one thing with Sarah is that she doesn’t play and Christian is at the age that he wants to play more with her. What we did since we couldn’t afford a therapy dog was to adopt a Lab. We have had Vandal for two months now and Christian is very active in training him. Puppy classes are fun and it gives him a chance to use his words. Although Christian will not train this puppy over night it gives him great accomplishment and feeling of selfworth that that are both making progress. Sarah is still his girl and she still sleeps with him and Vandal retires to the crate in the evening. I think if anyone is thinking of a therapy dog they should consider a puppy or even a young dog that is trained already. It all depends on the reasons and needs for wanting a therapy dog. But I thank god so Sarah everyday because in my eyes she is an angel sent down from heaven to help my son. I wish you all well. With Hope, Hugs, and Happiness.
Deanna
Thanks so much for writing about Sarah—–my son has gone through periods of fascination with dogs and also periods of fear (he is now coming out of period of fear). It’s the barking of dogs and their sudden movements that seem to startle Charlie. We’re not ready to get a dog at all — it’s really great to hear about Christian and Sarah!