involved 4 male volunteer participants, aged 11-19 years, each assigned to a well-trained elephant, a kwan chang and an therapist, at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. Activities ranged from learning about the animals and their habitat, to riding and caring for them (feeding, bathing, etc.) They were evaluated on function and competence, using standardized tests and systematic observation, both before and after the TET.
Results from post-evaluation data showed that every participant had enhanced function of sensory processing, social skills, postural control and balance, performance of daily living activities, and adaptive behaviors. Parents commented that these improvements carried over to other contexts, such as home and school.
The 2nd Study sought to develop the results of the first with 8 participants, aged 9-18 years, for 6 weeks, on weekends only. Statistical analysis reconfirmed the results of the first. Moreover, the researchers found that participants were able to transfer enhanced social skill learning to interact with peer groups at school.
The 3rd Study took the form of 2 sub-researches, designed to compare the effectiveness of a short-term (3 weeks, 4 days per week) and a long-term (6 weeks, 2 days per week) program, and to determine specific programs for 2 main parameters:
1.Praxis, i.e. motor planning; the ability to interact successfully with the physical environment; to plan, organize, and carry out a sequence of unfamiliar actions; and to do what one intends, wants, and needs to do in an efficient, satisfying manner. (20 participants)
2. Social and maladaptive behaviours. (16 participants)
It was found that both types of program significantly improved their social behaviours both during and after intervention. Moreover, their maladaptive behaviours were significantly reduced after receiving the short-term program. Further, comparison of maladaptive behaviours during intervention showed that they were significantly reduced each day, on both programs.
