Gabriel Pet Therapy at the Thom Collegiate Developmental Classroom

The first set of shots are taken with KC. KC is autistic. The series of shots reveal how KC goes from being unaware of Gabriel’s presence to somewhat aware to completely aware and interactive.

KC works best with Gabriel; he particularly likes it when Gabriel applies weight to him. The more weight Gabriel applies to KC the more present KC becomes. Gabriel seems to intuitively understand this. If you go back through the series of pictures you will notice that at first Gabriel is sitting beside KC. Gabriel has flipped KC’s arm behind Gabriel’s head to initiate contact and then he slowly starts to lean into KC and then finally he ends up lying on KC. As the photos progress you will notice that the more Gabriel applies weight to KC the more alert and present KC becomes.

KC has also progressed to feeding Gabriel and in addition he will play fetch and hide and seek with him. 

Unaware and tuned out	Aware and interested
Aware and happy	Aware and consciously petting Gabriel
Aware and conscious of petting Gabriel	Happy and petting Gabriel
Very happy and interacting with Gabriel	Very happy and interacting with Gabriel
Happy to be with Gabriel