Comparing Free Play and Structured Interaction in Pet-Assisted Therapy for Different Autism Types
Abstract
This paper examines the results of free play and play with structured interaction in pet-assisted therapy. People with autism have a number of difficulties in their social and emotional functioning. This paper examines the results of free play and play with structured interaction in pet-assisted therapy. We wish to demonstrate that different interaction will result in different results and to identify which interaction is more appropriate for each autism subtype (i.e., classic autism or Asperger’s syndrome). This paper reviews the literature and examines the potential weaknesses in the current body of research. Understanding these differences and how to bridge them is what makes this field of study interesting. The aim is to receive the most out of the animal assisted intervention for all.
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