L'Escala, Girona, has started a pilot programme offering dog-assisted therapy for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This initiative, a collaboration between the TEA Alt Empordà association, L'Escala Town Council, and CTAC Girona, seeks to bring new therapeutic resources to the region.
The project was introduced last Thursday at L'Escala's Assembly Hall. Eloi Bordas from CTAC, a leading centre for animal-assisted therapies, explained the benefits. He highlighted how this method helps with communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and personal autonomy, all tailored to individual needs. The TEA Alt Empordà association already runs successful programmes in Figueres and Llançà, according to officials.
The presentation drew a large audience and received positive feedback from families. They welcomed the prospect of having a specialised therapeutic resource close to home. This strong interest could lead to a permanent programme, according to the TEA Alt Empordà association.
"If interest remains and families continue to find the proposal meets their needs, we plan to start a continuous dog-assisted therapy programme from September," said Tamara Carranza, the association's president. This programme would serve the ASD community in L'Escala and nearby areas. The meeting helped answer questions and share experiences, showing a growing demand for specialised local resources.
Council Support and Programme Details
L'Escala Town Council supports the project, aiming to expand local therapeutic options and strengthen inclusion policies. Clàudia de Cruz, the Social Action Councillor, stressed the importance of such initiatives. She noted they respond to specific needs and help create a more inclusive municipality with a better quality of life. De Cruz added that the council has launched several similar projects, including inclusive leisure activities, and plans to continue this work.
Before the full programme, a free session is scheduled for 25 June at the Xalem civic centre. This will be followed by a five-session pilot during July, on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. During July, the therapy will cost an exceptional €17 per session to allow families to try it and assess its suitability for continued participation from September.
According to the TEA Alt Empordà association, the actual monthly cost of the therapy is €85. However, members of the association could see this reduced to between €25 and €40 per month from September. The dog acts as a motivator and helps the therapeutic process, encouraging interaction and positive connections. These connections help achieve therapeutic goals more naturally and effectively. Dog-assisted therapy has proven effective in improving various areas for children and adolescents with ASD.
Positive Impact on Families
The TEA Alt Empordà association has provided animal-assisted therapy for years, showing positive results in previous experiences with children and adolescents with ASD. Currently, 20 children in Figueres benefit from the programme annually. The recent presentation in L'Escala generated significant interest among attending families.
The session outlined the programme's goals, which are part of an ongoing strategy to create positive and lasting impacts on the lives of individuals with ASD and their families. The next steps involve evaluating the pilot programme's success and finalising plans for a continuous service starting in September, based on family interest and feedback.
