The Silent Healers explores the profound, often overlooked bond between animals and children on the autism spectrum. Blending rigorous scientific research with touching real-life stories, this book demonstrates how therapy animals—ranging from dogs and horses to rabbits, guinea pigs, and even dolphins—can support communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and social development in autistic children.
From the hormonal science behind oxytocin and stress relief to breakthrough moments of speech and connection, the book offers readers insight into why animals succeed where traditional therapies sometimes fall short. Each chapter examines a different species or context—from therapy dogs that reduce meltdowns, to equine therapy for motor and emotional regulation, to miniature pets that teach responsibility and provide sensory comfort. Even unconventional therapists like llamas and aquarium fish reveal surprising therapeutic value.
Far from being a guide for specialists alone, The Silent Healers is written for parents, educators, therapists, and anyone who believes in the healing power of empathy and presence. The book includes practical guidance on selecting and introducing animals into therapeutic routines, navigating ethical considerations, and integrating animal-assisted practices into both home and school settings.
Ultimately, this work is a testament to how healing doesn’t always come in words. Sometimes it comes through fur, feathers, or fins. With warmth, clarity, and evidence-based insight, The Silent Healers reminds us that the most profound transformations often begin with a silent nuzzle or wag of a tail—offering joy, hope, and a new pathway for children on the spectrum to connect with the world.
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- Yohan Kurniawan (Author), 2025, The Silent Healers. How Animals Bring Joy and Hope to Autistic Children, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1577211