Page 20 - The Sloughi Review - Issue 10

T H E S L O U G H I R E V I E W
Imre Schmidt: In the past, it was thought
that autistic people could not feel empathy.
Today we know this is wrong and that the
problem for them lies in the ability to
express this and that they can show it in a
different way. Do you see your students
developing their ability to show empathy
thanks to the help of the animals?
Gabriella Incisa di Camerana: Our center
IS a school of empathy!
Johanna Sundell: Depression is a common
problem for autistic children and adults.
Have you noticed any recovery in your
students that you connect with their
interactions to the animals and the possible
side effects it gives?
Gabrielle Incisa di Camerana: I have not
had depressive autistics at home.
But I had depressive teenagers but not
autistic, some Bipolars, one narcolepsy
(sleep disorder) and the Sloughis were
exceptional. Especially for ADHD, the
"hyperkinetics", and for the apraxias*.
Walking on a leash (double leash for the
little ones) promotes grip and strengthens
hand tone such as in the walk in the photos
of the cerebral palsy children in
wheelchairs. Hand-eye coordination and
global psychomotricity.
*Editor's note: Apraxia is a neurological disorder
characterized by the inability to perform learned
(familiar) movements on command, even though the
command is understood and there is a willingness to
perform the movement. Both the desire and the
capacity to move are present but the person simply
cannot execute the act.
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Ullis Sundell: Some autists express
themselves loudly, sometimes screaming
and/or with sudden body movements.
Some lacking in facial expressions. What
are your experiences of how Sloughis
respond to this? Do they develop any fears
of children or humans?
Gabriella Incisa di Camerana: The Sloughi
is a perfect IAA partner. He always stays in
his place. He "knows" his job.
Ullis Sundell: Some dog breeders here in
the west do not think one should sell dogs
to families who have autistic children as
they are worried about the dogs' safety and
welfare. Do you think that concern is
justified and if so, how?
Gabriella Incisa di Camerana: A puppy is
always a big responsibility. His arrival in a
family requires great supervision from
adults. All children can be dangerous for a
small dog. Therefore, his presence is
important to contribute to the education of
the child towards a small being who has no
defenses. It can prepare psychologically for
the arrival of a little brother, for example.
Imre Schmidt: Animals are often a strong
link in relationships between children, their
parents, and other important people in
their environment. Do you see that animals
are of particular benefit to your students in
strengthening relationships with others?
Gabriella Incisa di Camerana: Yes, we have
activities with animal mediation exactly for
social integration.