Dolphin Therapy Helps Autistic Children in China

 

Dolphin attractions at Ocean Worlds are a common sight.

But at this one in China, Flipper has his Ph.D.

Dolphins here are trained to help over 100 children suffering from Autism and other neurological disorders.

It's thought the therapy improves their speech and motor skills. 

Parents say they see improvement and are eager to pay about 17 dollars for a 20-minute session.

[Parent of Autistic Child]: 

 "We have been using the dolphin therapy for almost a year. Although my child's progress is slow, there is an obvious improvement. We have seen a real difference since she has come here to listen to the dolphins squeaking. Since she started the treatment, she can focus her attention longer and is not as quiet as before."

It's that squeaking which is key in the treatment, says the park.

They claim the dolphin's high-frequency ultrasonic waves of 2000 to 100,000 HZ stimulate people's nervous systems – arousing dormant cells.

More parks like this are sprouting up around China as the treatment becomes more popular.

But it's still relatively new, as the country only officially recognized autism as a disability 4 years ago.

New Tang Dynasty Television