Cover Story: Paws for thought

Paws for thought

How Dog-Assisted Therapy helped Willa, who has autism, become more independent.

Did you know that Australia has one of the highest dog ownership rates worldwide? Perhaps it’s no surprise that Australians are embracing Dog-Assisted Therapy and this type of therapy has surged in popularity, especially among autistic children.

Children such as eight-year-old Willa is receiving Dog-Assisted Therapy through Kites Children’s Therapy based in WA. It's a sister brand to Guide Dogs WA, so all the dogs in the program are raised and trained to an exceptionally high standard.

Highly accredited dog instructors ensure every therapy dog meets strict training standards, including the right temperament and working style. The dogs have certain qualities to make them suitable for this therapy. All of them are highly affectionate and enjoy human interaction.

NDIS therapy provider, Kites Children’s Therapy, started Dog-Assisted Therapy in 2020 with just one dog, a black Labrador called Bazza. Two new therapy dogs, Melba and Ernie, have since entered the program and a fourth dog Onyx, is now in training because the program is so much in demand.

Willa’s mother, Emma, was keen to explore Dog-Assisted Therapy after learning it was available in WA.

Willa and Bazza

“It was clear from early on that Willa was as unique (and as beautiful) as her name. She would happily play independently. It was nature’s nuances that gave her the most joy, just as seeing how she could reflect the sun on sequins to create fairy lights.

“It has always been very important to me that Willa receives play-based therapy that draws on her strengths, preserves her autonomy and engages her passions. Willa loves animals and is an avid Pound Puppy toy collector, so Dog-Assisted Therapy seemed like the perfect marriage of fun and support.”

Occupational therapists incorporate the therapy dog to help children reach their own goals. These can vary and often include improving social skills, learning about emotional regulation, turn taking, pretend play and developing motor skills.

The program is ideal for children and teenagers with disabilities and developmental challenges. The therapy sessions are more engaging and entertaining than traditional therapies as occupational therapist Kate Veryard, who works with Bazza said.

“Having Bazza in the sessions provides a fun, relaxed and supportive environment while also helping to build rapport between therapist and child. Bazza’s beautiful nature, his fun and occasionally cheeky behaviour creates a shared experience and services as a great ice breaker and conversation starter.”

Kate’s colleague, fellow OT Nat O’Neill said it’s beneficial in many ways.

“The human-animal bond is unique. This dynamic is amazing to watch in the therapy sessions and has to be seen to be believed.”

Kate said the therapy sessions with Bazza provided an opportunity for improved social interaction and play.

“We wanted to follow Willa’s lead, so we would develop scenarios to draw on her fantastic imagination and creativity,” she said. “For example, we talk about holidays and explore how Bazza would prepare for it. Willa would pack a suitcase for him. On another occasion, Bazza would go to school, so we would dress him in a mortarboard and talk about what he’d be doing at school.”

The play sessions and activities encouraged Willa to practice her fine motor skills and build upon her confidence.

One of the most beneficial sessions centred on Willa, her sister, and her parents moving house, an event that happened in real life. Willa had become anxious ahead of the move, so to alleviate her fears, Kate introduced the concept of Bazza moving house into one of her sessions.

As a result of the sessions, Emma has seen her daughter become more independent.

“Bazza was so calm and gentle that she could let her guard down and really engage with him. Willa has a very nurturing soul, so she loved the activities where she had to cue into Bazza’s needs and help care for him,” she said.

“Each session was a beautiful balance of predictability and novelty. The autistic side of Willa loves predictability, yet her highly imaginative side craves novelty. Predictability was ensured in that there was a visual schedule for Willa to follow and each session followed a similar script. Yet each week there was a new theme, so every session had huge novelty factor for her.”

OT Kate Veryard with Willa and Bazza

Willa’s confidence grew so much that she started writing a book called ‘The Adventures of Bazza’. She had always disliked writing and this was one of her goals at the start of Dog- Assisted Therapy.

“I love coming here, dressing him up, and snuggling up close to him. He can do cool tricks, give me his paw and sit. Since we have been playing together, I can write stories easily. It was great writing the book with Bazza, snuggling up to him, made it easier,” Willa said.

Emma has been so pleased with the results from Dog-Assisted Therapy that Willa is continuing with this therapy.

“Sometimes when you’re taking your child from therapy to therapy, you can feel like you’re depriving them of a childhood. Dog-Assisted Therapy seemed less like therapy and more like genuine fun. I think it also focused on helping Willa to be successful rather than trying to change her behaviour which is what it’s all about because we don’t want to change Willa. She is a creative wunderkind, a sensitive soul and a little rascal. What more could a Mum ask for?”

Kites Dog-Assisted Therapy program is one of very few offered in Western Australia and the only one offered in Tasmania. It helps children build their social participation and communication skills, emotional, and sensory regulation. It also promotes fine and gross motor and coordination skills. Each session lasts an hour and involves the child, therapist, therapy dog, and parent or caregiver.

For more information about this type of therapy, go to www.kitestherapy.org.au/DAT