Introduction: Animal assisted therapy is using human-animal bond, performing goaloriented therapies in the treatment process. In the treatment process participate the therapist,
the user, the animal guide and the therapeutic animal. Animal-assisted therapies in children
are great importance as they reduce behavioral, emotional, and verbal distress. Children are
more eager to cooperate with the therapist and more attentive and responsive. The presence
of animals in the therapy encourages the child to join social activities. Purpose: The purpose
of the diploma work was to study occupational therapy treatment by including animal
assisted therapies and to study the contribution of animals to the functioning of a child with
special needs, and to identify advantages and disadvantages of the therapies included in
treatment. Methods: In the diploma work we used a review of professional and scientific
literature, which was published between 2010 and 2020. The PRISMA model was used for
analysis. We used the keywords »occupational therapy«, »animal assisted therapy«,
»children with special needs«, »canine assisted therapy« and »equine assisted therapy«. We
searched the literature through e-sources search engines: DiKul. Google Scholar, PubMed
and through e-source: Science Direct. Eight studies were included in the final literature
analysis. Results: The inclusion of animal assisted therapy in occupational therapy treatment
shows a positive effect. The involvement of animals in occupational therapy treatment
increases the motivation and self-confidence of children, children are more relaxed, it effects
on better torso control, motor skills and communication. There were also some
disadvantages in the implementation of animal assisted therapies, namely contraindications
(allergies, fear of animals…), insufficient knowledge about animal assisted therapies and the
lack of connection between the therapist and the animal guide. Discussion and conclusion:
A review of the literature found that the inclusion of horse and dog in occupational therapy
treatment has positive impact on occupational therapy treatment with children with special
needs. The research could encourage occupational therapists to use animal assisted therapy
more, both in children with special needs and in the general population.
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