By Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen

AnthonyKaDarrellThigpen@gmail.com

AUTISM – Pet therapy plays a powerful role when connecting to children with autism, and the upcoming 14^th Annual Zoowalk is sparking an added sense of enthusiasm about animals.

The Autism Academy for Education and Development (AAED) has six witty and adorable therapy dogs.

Lorie Crabtree provides pet services to help children with autism experiencing sleep conditions and the dangerous tendency of wandering. Among many other benefits, dogs have been proven to help calm and console children with autism through positive touch and friendship.

This in-school pet therapy service is a unique one-of-kind curriculum at AAED that is experiencing accelerated growth.

Crabtree is a well-experienced dog trainer of more than a decade, who also raises other pets. She provides weekly pet services at AAED campuses called, Dog Time.

Her passion has peaked a positive interest in pets amongst pupils.Valley wide campuses are preparing to participate in the upcoming annual Zoowalk for autism research. AAED students will join other animal loving supporters to gain a safari-like experience while raising $150,000 in revenue for studies to advance autism research.

The 1.1 mile Zoowalk is Saturday, October 13, 2018. Meanwhile, during AAED art classes, participants are creating drawings to compete in the annual T-shirt contest which promotes the event. AAED Art teacher Amy Floyd is inspiring students to use creative and colorful T-shirt designs in the classroom.

Lots of effort and planning is sure to make the Zoowalk fun-filled. The friendly and family affair is the largest research-based fundraising event hosted by Arizona State University. Autism Academy for Education and Development is a silver sponsor for the Zoowalk.   Pets and people are barking up the same tree to make a difference in the lives of individuals with Autism.