Animal Angels in the news

Autistic children need unconditional love. Children, in general, love unconditionally and expect the same. Besides them, only animals are capable of reciprocating with unrestrained love. They are therefore indispensable in the treatment of autistic children says Minal Kavishwar.

This 26-year-old clinical psychologist from Pune is an expert on Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) for the mentally and/or physically challenged. Kavishwar’s achievement is the completion of a four-year documented research on AAT in 2007, probably the first such research in the country. A graduate in psychology and a postgraduate in clinical psychology, she studied dog training and canine behaviour counselling. She has done a course on animal therapy from the University of North Texas and Delta Society and runs the Animal Angels Foundation. She used AAT to help family members of the 7/11 Mumbai train blasts to overcome the trauma and depression. This project was done jointly with the Bombay Psychiatric Society, KEM hospital, the Rotary club of Mumbai Central and the Rotaract Club.
Kavishwar has also conducted orientation programmes for leading organisations in the field of mental health like Animal Assisted Therapy for the Institute of Psychological Health, Thane, Indian Council of Mental Health, Bapu Trust and Bridging Over Learning Differences (BOLD), a project by Morris Trust for children with learning disabilities. Kavishwar spoke to S Lalitha of Deccan Herald on her recent visit to the City, to present a paper at a conference in NIMHANS. Excerpts:

How did you opt for this untrodden field?
It all began when I was contacted by the Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Jidda School for mentally challenged run by the Thane Municipal Corporation. They wanted a dog trainer. As I was aware of the emotional needs of disabled children, owing to my studies in psychology, I convinced the authorities to allow me to train a dog for their emotional well-being.

Elaborate on the therapy and its results?
The therapy was provided over a period of three years and evaluations were taken after every phase of the research. The results of the study show a drop in the behavioural problems of mentally retarded children, improvement in their motor skills and increase in the level of emotional expression and happiness.
What other animals can offer such assistance in treatment?
I make use of dogs, cats, rabbits and fish for treating children and have made use of AAT for mentally retarded children, children with autism, hyperactivity, speech disorders, physical disabilities and behaviour problems.

What is the awareness level of AAT in India?
Though popular abroad, AAT is a new concept in India. I wanted reference and guidance when researching the subject but could not find any documentary evidence. India has a religious history of worshipping animals and Indians are aware of the benefits of animal companionship. Still, they have remained largely unaware about the scientific and therapeutic use of animals for human wellness.

Are you taking efforts to create awareness about it in the medical community?
My toughest task so far has been to convince the hospital authorities to allow us to conduct an Animal Therapy Project. I have been speaking to hospitals and cancer institutes about this.
The mental health fraternity is slowly waking up to this therapy. Since last year, a few institutes have requested me to initiate this therapy. Many parents too consult me on the kind of pet they can choose for their child.

What can Bangaloreans contribute towards AAT?
Bangalore holds tremendous potential to carry on AAT as the mental health community here is very active. There are also many dog lovers and pet breeders.

(Those interested in knowing more about AAT can visit www.animalangels.org.in)