The municipal auditorium set the scene for the gathering, welcoming parents of at least 20 children with central nervous system problems who are interested in dolphin assisted therapy.

After explaining the characteristics of the eco-locating system of dolphins and the history of therapies with these marine mammals, Iveth Hoyos Robles, therapy director at the Sonora Dolphinarium, reported they are visiting municipalities throughout the state in order to teach people more about this program and how they can access it.

She detailed that since October 2006, when operations began, they have tended to 1,159 people, principally children, who in general have had very favorable results through dolphin assisted therapies.

She clarified dolphin-therapy is a therapeutic method that does not substitute other therapies, rather it is a complement to treatments a patient with neurological problems may be going through.

Hoyos Robles noted care provided at the dolphinarium, which consists of five 20 minute sessions, is based on dolphin's sonar stimulating the central nervous system and helping the reactivation of neurons.

Therapist Wendy Zavala Salcedo indicated they are tending to ah types of central nervous system problems, yet those with brain paralysis, autism, Down syndrome, spinal bifida, among others, have been the most predominant. She remarked within the 2 years four months the Sonora Dolphinarium has been in operation they have been able to document positive effects for the short, medium and long term.

Among them, she stated, are the improvement of the quantity and quality of children's dreams progress in the affect area, improved self-esteem and socialization, as well as progress in areas of concentration, decreases in hyper-activity and control of eating habits, among other favorable results.

Iveth Hoyos Robles told those interested in the program that the normal cost of dolphin assisted therapy is 12,000 pesos, but in 90% of the cases this amount is offset through scholarships offered by the state DIF or sponsors from private initiatives. The therapy director from the Sonora Dolphinarium stressed the cost for those interested in first-time therapy treatments is based on a socioeconomic study, with the support of municipal DIF offices or committees for the integration of persons with disabilities.

She indicated up to now they have worked with 9 patients from Puerto Penasco and the idea is to work with many more, as the goal for 2009 is to provide dolphin assisted therapy to 6oo people, primarily children.

Author: Steve Schwab