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I am in complete agreement with Helen Kahn's letter in the Nov. 18 issue of The ASHA Leader. I also have been involved with and conducted research in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in communication disorders for over 10 years. I have presented at numerous national and international conferences, written articles for professional newsletters, serve on the national board of directors for the American Hippotherapy Association, and am considered a leader in equine-assisted therapy within speech-language pathology. Yet I have had difficulty publishing the research in peer-reviewed journals and obtaining grant funding. As was mentioned, AAT is not an alternative, augmentative, or complementary treatment. During AAT, the animals are integrated into treatment just as one would use any other treatment activity, game, or reinforcement. They are incorporated within the ASHA scope of practice for speech-language pathology to help clients progress toward their communication goals.
In order to promote the acceptance and use of AAT in speech-language pathology (and audiology), I am urging any SLP or audiologist who does AAT or is interested in AAT to contact me by e-mail to initiate an ASHA Special Interest Division in AAT. I would also second Ms. Kahn's statement about ASHA refraining from promoting AAT as a "cute" treatment technique. AAT is reliable and valid in speech-language pathology and can be the catalyst for improved attention, greater initiation and desire to communicate, and improved language to name just a few.
Beth L. Macauley
Tuscaloosa, AL
bmacaule@bama.ua.edu
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