Expert opinions on the effects of animal-assisted therapy and activities on the education processes of individuals with autism

The aim of this research is to get expert opinions on the effect of animal-assisted therapy and activities on the education processes of individuals with autism. In Turkey, there is no study that takes the opinions of experts about the effect of animal-assisted therapy and activities on the education processes of individuals with autism. In this context, the opinions of 7 experts working on this subject in Turkey were taken as a working group. In the study, a semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher was used by using the qualitative research method. The data obtained as a result of the interviews were deciphered and content analysis was carried out. As a result of the research, it was concluded that the introduction of animal-assisted therapy and activities into educational environments of individuals with autism would benefit individuals. Special centers should be established for animal-assisted treatment and activities and these centers should be controlled by authorized persons. Before starting animal-assisted treatment and activities in individuals, the client who will receive therapy should be well analyzed and the animal and gain should be determined accordingly. In order for these practices to develop in Turkey, it is necessary to define them correctly and start implementation in pilot regions first.