Category
Poster - Textual or Investigative
Description
This paper examines emerging research on the neuropsychology of animal assisted therapy through children/adolescents with neurodivergence conditions. Studies have shown the benefit of animal assisted therapy for children and adolescents with neurodiverse conditions, particularly, those with early childhood trauma. This paper discusses farm animal assisted therapy as a growing therapy for complex cases such as adverse childhood experiences that are associated with maladaptive attachment. Children and teens who have experienced trauma may benefit from animal therapy because they are able to form bonds with gentle farm animals. Traumatic stress is associated with functional and chemical changes in the limbic area and brain stem. Research on PTSD and trauma shows that pharmacotherapy can only go so far in treatment; to restore the emotional part of the brain and repair the limbic system, various psychotherapies related to brain, mind, body, and spirit are vital. Expressive therapies have been shown to encourage change in individuals and establish attachment bonding with family, friends, and community which will create or restore a sense of security. Additionally, studies have shown that even small interactions with animals increases oxytocin in the human body, and animal interactions boosts endorphins and serotonin. Multisensory therapeutic approaches provided from hands-on experiences with gentle farm animals has the potential to improve emotional regulation, social communication, neurocognitive and sensory/motor issues common in neurodivergent conditions such as neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and autism spectrum disorder. The research suggests that this form of therapy may be applied to children with various conditions to help ‘rewire’ hyper-aroused limbic circuits in a similar manner. Would FAA neurotherapy help lower a child or teen’s arousal and rewire brain circuits through farm-based therapeutic activities?
Farm Animal Assisted Therapy: A naturalistic form of neurotherapy
Poster - Textual or Investigative
This paper examines emerging research on the neuropsychology of animal assisted therapy through children/adolescents with neurodivergence conditions. Studies have shown the benefit of animal assisted therapy for children and adolescents with neurodiverse conditions, particularly, those with early childhood trauma. This paper discusses farm animal assisted therapy as a growing therapy for complex cases such as adverse childhood experiences that are associated with maladaptive attachment. Children and teens who have experienced trauma may benefit from animal therapy because they are able to form bonds with gentle farm animals. Traumatic stress is associated with functional and chemical changes in the limbic area and brain stem. Research on PTSD and trauma shows that pharmacotherapy can only go so far in treatment; to restore the emotional part of the brain and repair the limbic system, various psychotherapies related to brain, mind, body, and spirit are vital. Expressive therapies have been shown to encourage change in individuals and establish attachment bonding with family, friends, and community which will create or restore a sense of security. Additionally, studies have shown that even small interactions with animals increases oxytocin in the human body, and animal interactions boosts endorphins and serotonin. Multisensory therapeutic approaches provided from hands-on experiences with gentle farm animals has the potential to improve emotional regulation, social communication, neurocognitive and sensory/motor issues common in neurodivergent conditions such as neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and autism spectrum disorder. The research suggests that this form of therapy may be applied to children with various conditions to help ‘rewire’ hyper-aroused limbic circuits in a similar manner. Would FAA neurotherapy help lower a child or teen’s arousal and rewire brain circuits through farm-based therapeutic activities?
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