SAO PAULO (AFP) – A yellow-and-brown boa constrictor wraps itself around David de Oliveira Gomes’s neck like a scarf, but the 15-year-old Brazilian with autism is fascinated, not afraid. For him, this is therapy. “His name is Gold. He’s cold. He eats mice,” Gomes told his therapist at a treatment centre in Sao Paulo, gently […]
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SAO PAULO A yellow-and-brown boa constrictor wraps itself around David de Oliveira Gomes’s neck like a scarf, but the 15-year-old Brazilian with autism is fascinated, not afraid.For him, this is therapy.“His name is Gold. He’s cold. He eats mice,” Gomes tells his therapist at a treatment centre in Sao Paulo, gently holding the large snake as it slithers around him.That is
Ribeiro has pioneered this method over the past decade at the treatment center, which features an open-air space where patients interact with lizards, turtles and a 'jacare.'
A therapist in Brazil relies on reptiles to help treat her patients by helping them relax, and improve their communication, motor skills and other abilities.