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Article
Dolphin-Assisted Therapy: Claims versus Evidence
Autism Research and Treatment
  • Britta L. Fiksdal, Minnesota State University - Mankato
  • Daniel Houlihan, Minnesota State University - Mankato
  • Aaron C. Barnes, University of Wisconsin - Stout
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review and critique studies that have been conducted on dolphin-assisted therapy for children with various disorders. Studies have been released claiming swimming with dolphins is therapeutic and beneficial for children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, physical disabilities, and other psychological disorders. The majority of the studies conducted supporting the effectiveness of dolphin-assisted therapy have been found to have major methodological concerns making it impossible to draw valid conclusions. Readers will be informed of the history of, theory behind, and variations of dolphin-assisted therapy along with a review and critique of studies published which purportedly support its use.

DOI
10.1155/2012/839792
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
Citation Information
Fiksdal, B. L., Houlihan, D., Barnes, A. C. (2012). Dolphin-Assisted Therapy: Claims versus Evidence. Autism Research and Treatment, 2, Article ID 839792, 1-7, doi:10.1155/2012/839792