Dolphins are sociable, intelligent animals that are very popular with children. That is why therapies with these animals are a widely used teaching resource for working with children who have special educational needs, such as Down syndrome.
However, there are few studies that address the benefits of dolphin therapy and determine whether there is indeed an improvement in those who practice it. To verify this, a researcher at the University of Barcelona has carried out a study with more than one hundred children from the US and Mexico. Specifically, the effect of a treatment of six sessions was evaluated, each consisting of several phases: making contact with the water and with the dolphin, oral-phonatory exercises, exercises to improve movement and muscle tone, and farewell to the animal. with which a link has been established.
The results showed that 78% of the children between the ages of two and seven showed improvements after sessions with these friendly animals. Specifically, the positive evolution was manifested in the mimic and visual language, and as a consequence the children maintained a more concrete communication with the adult once out of the water.
On the other hand, in children older than 7 years the improvement was not so evident, probably because, as in everything, learning is much more efficient at an early age .
Therapy benefits
However, it is noteworthy that in children with special educational needs any evolution, no matter how small, is of great value and importance. With the analysis of these results, it has been possible to obtain more exhaustive information on dolphin therapy applied to children with Down syndrome. This method is useful for improving language, since there is better communication, and also at a psychomotor level, since working in an aquatic environment allows precise movements to be carried out more easily.
For the future, the researchers intend to evaluate the additional effect of music in these therapies, as well as the inclusion of family members, since the affective and emotional bond can be a very beneficial stimulus for these children, allowing them to improve their self-esteem and, ultimately, make your everyday life happier.
Tati Cortes did her doctorate at the University of Barcelona and is currently a teacher at the University of Murcia.
