RESEARCH

Integrated Animal-Assisted and Plant-Assisted Ecotherapy for Preschool Children with Speech Disturbances: A Program for the Arctic

This research paper explores an integrated animal-assisted and plant-assisted ecotherapy program designed for preschool children with speech disturbances in the Arctic region. The program aims to improve speech development, communication skills, and overall well-being.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: Children/Youth

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Cognitive Function, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Forest/Ecotherapy

Type of Activity: Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Environmental Education

Evidence Type: Randomized Controlled Trials

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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Summary

This study introduces an innovative ecotherapy program that combines animal-assisted and plant-assisted therapies for preschool children with speech disturbances, specifically tailored for the Arctic environment. Recognizing the increasing number of children with speech challenges, the program addresses not only speech development but also attention disorders, learning activity, and social adaptation. The program incorporates educational, rehabilitation, communication, and correction components, utilizing activities like wildlife familiarization, art, animal and garden therapy, and exercises to develop fine motor skills.

The effectiveness of the ecotherapy program was evaluated through psychological tests (Lüscher color tests, psycho-geometric tests), physiological measurements (cardiorhythmography, ultrasonic dopplerography), and logopaedic monitoring. The results indicated that children participating in the program showed improvements in vocabulary, communication skills, speech structure, psycho-emotional states, observation skills, self-assurance, creativity, and imagination compared to a control group. The program, designed to mitigate the negative effects of the polar night, has been successfully implemented in the Murmansk Region (Russia) and Svalbard (Norway), demonstrating its potential as a valuable intervention for children with speech disturbances in challenging environments.

Link

Kalashnikova, I. V., Gontar, O. B., Zhirov, V. K., & Kalashnikov, A. O. (2016, June 27). Integrated Animal-Assisted and Plant-Assisted Ecotherapy for Preschool Children with Speech Disturbances: A Program for the Arctic. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

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