Animal Therapy Research Paper

As you look around the hallway cluttered with students, you may run into a student that is affected by a disability. From one glance, you may or may not recognize the student’s disability because disabilities affect everyone differently. A disability is defined as a physical or mental condition that limits someone’s movements, senses, or activities. For example, some students may only struggle in school, while others may struggle in all aspects of their life. Dealing with these struggles is something that parents have to learn to adapt to. While raising kids with disabilities, parents are faced with obstacles involving schooling, social life, and treatment all while balancing their family. Schooling is important as a foundation for a bright …show more content…
His parents tried multiple forms of therapy trying to help Ben cope with his problems. “First, we tried normal therapy, but he couldn’t communicate his emotions,” his mother said. “Finally, we tried finding him a hobby.” Ben became interested in animals, so his parents bought him a lizard to take care of. The lizard taught him how to be responsible and deal with his anger. When he was of age, his dad signed him up to be a volunteer at the zoo. Ben feels as if the zoo is a place where he feels safe and accepted. Animal therapy works for Ben, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Trial and error is the only way to find the ideal therapy for someone with a disability because everyone’s situation is different. Although animal therapy is helping Ben, it puts a burden on his family. “The closest zoo is an hour away from my house,” his dad said. “Then, I have to wait for him to finish his shift before driving home.” The time that Ben’s dad spends away from home is time that could be spent working or with his other children. “The pros out way the cons in this situation,” his mom added. “He enjoys being with the animals, so we would hate to deny him this opportunity.” Ben’s family is not the only ones that feel the strain of having a child with a …show more content…
Since there is not one type of therapy for disabled children, parents have to search for their child’s perfect therapy, and most of the time, it is not in a convenient location. Some parents of disabled kids have to drive hours away for their child to receive the therapy he or she needs. These hours spent on the road are hours spent away from their other family members. Not only is the traveling hard on the disabled child and parent, but it also affects other siblings that are not receiving the time and attention they