THE ANIMAL ASSISTED THERAPY ON THE MEDICAL EDUCATION

Introduction and Objectives: Autism and Down Syndrome (DS) are known behavioral changes, but still leads to social exclusion of children and youngers, mainly because of prejudice and low professional attendance. It affects directly the psychological development and treatment efficacy. The Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) consists of activities carried out with animals' assistance. It has defined objectives and a multidisciplinary team, in aiming to complement the conditions’ treatments. The project purpoused to help children and youngers with SD and autism to overcome limitations, using the AAT. Beyond, training medical students to deal with different publics and make them more compassionate professionals. Methodology: The “Iluminar” Project, developed by the International Federation of Medical Students Associations of Brazil (IFMSA Brazil), Committee of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), had the support and planning of “Entrelaço” Project, consolidated in the Amazon Federal Rural University (UFRA). There were one phase with autism and other one with DS, that happened in four weekly sessions of AAT, about 1’30’’ each, in the sports court of UFRA. Recreational activities were labored with a presence of three dogs. Medical students has participated with “Entrelaço” professionals of Building Capacity to learn how to work with this public. Results and Conclusion: The approach with animals facilitated the development of activities, promoting inclusion and providing physical and cognitive advances. Medical students had close contact with the public, showing the importance of the doctor-patient relationship for a professional. Therefore, it was fundamental to assist the treatment of behavioral disorders and improve medical education.