Dolphin Human Therapy, Dolphin Human Research
13605 South Dixie Highway #523
Miami, FL 33176-7252
Tel & Fax (305) 378-8670
Key Largo (305) 451-1077, Fax (305) 451-4266




DOLPHIN HUMAN THERAPY AND RESEARCH

David E. Nathanson, Ph.D.
President


DOLPHIN HUMAN THERAPY (DHT) is a full time program that enables children and adults who are mentally and physically handicapped to interact with dolphins. DHT is currently located at Dolphins Plus in Key Largo, Florida.

The theory and research behind dolphin therapy is that children will increase attention as a result of their desire to interact with dolphins. A behavior modification procedure is used to reward children for correct cognitive, physical, or affective responses. Research results show children learning up to four times faster and with greater attention, compared to more standard procedures.

While interacting with dolphins, the children develop a close bond with a new friend! DHT helps children benefit further from school, therapy, and work with other professionals, as well as giving them the confidence needed to realize they can overcome life's hurdles, and to be proud of all they can accomplish.

DOLPHIN HUMAN THERAPY (DHT) is currently in its second year as a full time therapy program, with a staff of 10. From 1995 through August 1996, DHT has treated children from 37 states and 12 countries. Total therapy sessions number more than 5,000. Primary diagnoses of children include more than 50 different illnesses/conditions. The 5 most common diagnoses, in order, are non-specific brain damage, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and Rett syndrome. Most children are multiply handicapped - e.g. cerebral palsy with epilepsy and hearing loss.

Plans for the future include the development of a complete therapy, research, and education facility in Fort Myers, Florida.

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