Originally published in Interactions, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2001

by Darlene Meyer

I am an occupational therapist and work for Jackson Education Service District in Central Point, OR, in a program that serves students with autism, and/or hearing, visual, and severe orthopedic impairments, in 5 neighboring counties. Though I don't use the llamas on a regular basis in the therapy I provide, I do occasionally bring them to the Early Intervention settings, elementary and high schools.

When I bring the llamas, I use them to facilitate certain skills that a child is working on, or to encourage a variety of responses that would be beneficial. For instance, when I bring Steinway to a kindergarten class, I know that one of "my" kids who has Cerebral Palsy will be motivated to reach out and pet his neck. This very simple activity will provide the child an opportunity to work on very specific treatment and educational goals. This will encourage her to shift her body weight forward, move her arm up against gravity, open her hand, and have a wonderful tactile experience as she feels the soft fiber.

Children with autism frequently have sensory issues, often exhibiting defensive responses to touch. My llama, MacCloud, who has exquisitely soft, silky fiber, will stand quietly as a child hesitantly touches his coat. On one occasion a child with autism, who has difficulty making eye contact, was petting the side of the llama. He gradually worked his way up toward the front of the llama until he finally looked into those expressive llama eyes. Everyone in the classroom held their breath so the magic moment wouldn't be broken. Who knows? Perhaps that was a first step toward making eye contact with humans.

With some children, I know that I can help facilitate speech and language. A child can be encouraged to use a communication board by touching the "Yes" or "No" symbols when asked, "Do you want to touch the llama?"

Some of the children I work with have multiple severe disabilities. One child, who has cognitive, visual, and physical impairments – and who is often not aware of her surroundings – laughed with delight when one of the llamas sniffed her head and face.

In my experience, the llamas provide a wonderful opportunity to motivate children in their learning – whether the children have special educational needs or not. And, more than once, I have seen a teacher wipe tears from her eyes as she sees a child accomplish a difficult task with the help of a llama friend.

Editor's Note:

Darlene Meyer and 2 of her llamas were recently registered as Delta Pet Partners.