TheraPets.org | Occupational Therapy and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

We provide Occupational Therapy and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) to Special Education students and their families in Northern Illinois.

Many of our students are non-verbal and most are in self-contained classes with IEP's (Individualized Educational Plans). All therapy services are provided at no cost to the students. AAT is a unique treatment modality that allows students to give affection as well as receive it as part of their therapy. 

Research has shown the following benefits have been associated with human/animal interactions:
•  decreased anxiety
•  improved social skills
•  decreased agitation & aggression
•  improved motor skills
•  decreased tactile sensitivity
•  improved trust after traumatic events (e.g. PTSD)
•  decreased blood pressure and cholesterol
•  improved attention