Animal Therapy in Education & Neurodiversity

Animal Therapy in Education & Neurodiversity

Discover the powerful role animals can play in helping neurodivergent children feel safe, understood, and ready to learn in this inspiring conversation with David Boxall from Elysian.

In this episode, we explore how farm-based education and animal-assisted therapy are transforming the lives of children and young people who have struggled in traditional school settings — particularly those with autism and PDA profiles.

Through real-life stories and practical insight, David explains why animals can succeed where conventional approaches often fail by:

• Reducing anxiety
• Building trust
• Supporting emotional regulation
• Helping young people rediscover confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging

From goats and horses to guinea pigs and even giant pythons, this episode offers a fascinating look at how therapeutic relationships with animals can unlock communication, autonomy, and joy for children who may have felt misunderstood for years.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional education environments can feel overwhelming for many neurodivergent children
• How animal-assisted therapy supports emotional wellbeing, trust, and regulation
• Real examples of low-demand, relationship-based approaches that help children re-engage with learning
• Why feeling safe and understood is often the foundation for progress
• Practical ideas for creating strengths-based environments for neurodivergent young people
• Reassurance and hope for families navigating school distress or school refusal

This is a warm, hopeful, and deeply affirming conversation for parents, carers, educators, and professionals who want to better understand what truly helps neurodivergent children thrive.

FURTHER SOURCES OF SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

More podcasts available on the PDA Society Training Hub:
https://training.pdasociety.org.uk/pda-podcasts/

PDA Society Training:
https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/training/

PDA Society Support Service:
https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/support-and-training/support/

GUEST LINK

https://elysianuk.org

DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed by guest speakers in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the PDA Society.

While we aim to provide balanced and inclusive discussions, individual experiences and perspectives may vary. The PDA Society is committed to using language and terminology that reflects the preferences of PDA and autistic people, but sometimes our guests may use language and terminology which differs.

Appearance on our podcast is not an endorsement of an individual, and not all of our guests will align with our position on the issues discussed.