| Dolphin Assisted Therapy (DAT) is a relatively new | | | | No long term studies have proven the effectiveness |
| treatment that is becoming popular for children with | | | | of DAT, and "five studies [reviewed] for efficacy of |
| learning disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome | | | | DAT were invalid." (From Wildlife Extra website) |
| and attention deficit disorder, as well as patients with | | | | Although sonar is used in modern medicine to break |
| epilepsy, cancer and depression. | | | | up kidney stones and gallstones, their contention is |
| Advocates claim that DAT boosts the immune | | | | that the sonar used by dolphins is far less powerful, |
| system and increases the learning capacity by 2-10 | | | | even if dolphins communicate regularly during therapy, |
| times, with a retention rate of 50% in a year. | | | | which many do not. Their well-being is vital for their |
| However, this therapy is not without its critics. | | | | behavior and communication. But, with the demand of |
| Researchers and psychologists are concerned that | | | | DAT, that is jeopardized greatly. Currently, |
| this growing fad is dangerous to humans and dolphins, | | | | regulations' regarding the capture of dolphins is either |
| overpriced and unproven scientifically. With that said, | | | | non-existent or loosely enforced. Although most |
| it is essential to understand the basics of DAT which | | | | dolphins are bred in captivity in the United States, |
| lies within the communication of the dolphins. | | | | many are captured in the most brutal and tortuous |
| A Dolphins language consists of a series of clicks, | | | | ways and purchased by U.S. facilities. |
| whistles, meows and barks. These sounds produce | | | | It is estimated that as many are caught, an equal |
| powerful sonar. Although complicated, the basics | | | | amount are killed or wounded. Many are separated |
| seem relatively simple: the waves of sonar resonate | | | | from their mates and/or calves. This can lead to |
| between the skull and the sternum, moving up | | | | aggressive and unpredictable behavior. This creates |
| through the spine, creating a relaxed state (similar to | | | | great risk for everyone involved, especially the |
| the brain wave called Alpha) where our bodies | | | | children. |
| produce major infection and disease fighting T-Cells | | | | Dolphins are also highly social mammals. Captivity, |
| and endorphins. It also triggers a "phenomenon called | | | | separation, isolation and stress often lead to sickness |
| cavitation , (a ripping apart of molecules)." (R.Blow, 01, | | | | and/or death. Putting children in a tank with a sick or |
| 1995). Apparently this hole created by caviation fills | | | | dying dolphin may increase the risk of infection for |
| with these critical healing molecules, and sends them | | | | both the child and the dolphin(s) involved. |
| out in force throughout the body. | | | | Dolphin Assisted Therapy is clearly controversial. |
| LifePositive gives an example of the outcome: In | | | | Sonar is a medically proven therapy and rewarding |
| 1995, "a child suffering from leukemia...with only a few | | | | children with such a delightful adventure as swimming |
| months to live...," received the therapy and is | | | | with dolphins would clearly promote effective |
| "enjoying a complete remission to this day." | | | | teaching and learning strategies. However, the risks |
| According to Dolphinassistance.org, working with | | | | to these gentle and intelligent mammals, and those |
| dolphins increases learning for children with autism or | | | | they are purportedly healing, should be carefully |
| Down syndrome from 2-10 times more rapidly than | | | | considered by all interested DAT. The risks involved |
| those without DAT. Upon successful completion of | | | | are not without warrant, and are most certainly more |
| targeted tasks, the children are rewarded with | | | | clearly documented than the benefits. |
| dolphin interaction. Because the children enjoy being | | | | In conclusion, before considering DAT, do your |
| with the dolphins as much as possible, this reward | | | | homework. Research the facility, and know how they |
| becomes an effective tool, which in turn creates | | | | attain and care for their mammals, as this will directly |
| positive memories associated with the task, resulting | | | | affect your child. Talk to professionals, as well as |
| in long term retention. | | | | those who have completed the therapy, and be |
| With over 150 Dolphin Assisted programs worldwide, | | | | open to both the positive and the negative feedback. |
| it would seem that this therapy is beyond criticism. | | | | Remember that the goal of many facilities is not |
| That is not the case. | | | | necessarily the care of your child or the dolphins |
| In 2007, Lori Marino, a researcher at Emory | | | | involved. |
| University, and Scott Lilienfield, a clinical psychologist, | | | | These children and the dolphins are both at great risk |
| began campaigning against DAT, stating, "DAT is bad | | | | and should be protected. Neither should be sacrificed |
| for People and for Dolphins". Their rationale is logical. | | | | in the name of therapy. |