In the Bas-Rhin, a school integrates a dog to soothe children with autistic disorders

Pirate returned to school in December 2022. The Australian Shepherd is now the companion of nine students, children aged 9 to 11 who suffer from autism spectrum disorders. “The main goal is calming and emotional regulation. If they don’t have that, these children can’t get into learning,” explains Nancy Mazimann, owner of Pirate and support for students with disabilities (AESH).

The presence of the Australian Shepherd was very quickly beneficial. “We have children who have started to speak when before they did not say a word. Others who were in their bubble, they are open to others”, testifies their teacher, Aurélie Unger, school teacher and coordinator of the Ulis device (Localized school inclusion unit).

academic progress

In addition to its reassuring presence, Pirate also allows children to progress from an academic point of view. By reading stories aloud to their new friend, students improve their reading skills. When they play ball with him, some develop motor skills. “Indeed, we use the dog to work full of skills”, reports Nancy Mazimann, the originator of this project.

It was she who proposed to integrate her dog into the Ulis class. Confronted with disability in her family, she saw the beneficial effects of Pirate on her loved ones and wanted to transpose these benefits into the school environment. Today, the management of the school welcomes it. “Without being a magic wand, Pirate brings more. It’s really unexpected”, reports Christelle Ghenzi.

A pedagogical innovation project has been submitted to consolidate the system and thus promote it in other establishments.