Healing Mammals

Curaçao Dolphin Therapy and Research Center (CDTC) offers children with physical and/or mental challenges like autism, brain injury, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, Down's syndrome, apraxia and dystonia the opportunity to participate in a unique therapy program that includes interaction with dolphins. Dolphin-assisted therapy creates an optimal learning environment to enhance the functioning of children with limitations.

The intensive therapy program consists of a combination of interaction with dolphins, behavioral adjustment and specific therapies like physio-therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. The program not only includes the child, but also the entire family in an educational and playful fashion. CDTC's care team is formed by a multidisciplinary, international group of rehabilitation professionals, dolphin trainers and coastal bottlenose dolphins. The licensed and certified therapists specialize in physical/occupational therapy, speech pathology, behavioral therapy, special education, psychology, family coaching and neuro-developmental therapy. The dolphins are chosen for their genleness, curiosity, eagerness to learn and willingness to socialize with humans. They are specially trained for CDTC's program and exclusively perform in therapy. For information visit www.cdtc.an.