Approaches to Autism, S1E7: Animal Assisted Interventions

Oct 6

You may have heard of therapeutic dogs. Research has shown that animals can be helpful to children and adults on the autism spectrum. The benefits of using animals in therapy are explored with two established researchers in the field, Dr. Maggie O’Haire and Leanne Nieforth, both from Purdue University, as well as US Autism Association Advisory Board members Dr. Stephen Shore, Rob Bernstein, and Theresa Wrangham (moderator).

Featured

Robert J. Bernstein, MA

Robert J. Bernstein, MA has devoted his career to improving the lives of children, teenagers, and adults on the autism spectrum. He developed his cognitive-based, developmental approach for more than thirty years with clients ranging from toddlers to older adults.

Leanne Nieforth

Leanne Nieforth is a Ph.D. student in Human-Animal Interaction at the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine.

Marguerite (Maggie) O'Haire, Ph.D.

Dr. Marguerite (Maggie) O’Haire is an internationally recognized Fulbright Scholar who is currently an Associate Professor of Human-Animal Interaction in the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University.

Stephen Shore, Ed.D.

Diagnosed with "Atypical Development and strong autistic tendencies" and "too sick" for outpatient treatment, Dr. Shore was recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much support from his parents, teachers, wife, and others, Stephen is now a professor at Adelphi University where his research focuses on matching best practice to the needs of people with autism.

View All Videos

Maggie O'HaireLeanne NieforthNeurodiversityAdvocacyTherapeutic Approaches and MethodsEducation And The ClassroomTherapeutic Part 2