GAIA therapeutic farm: Prospective study on multidisciplinary care efficacy

The therapeutic farm "GAIA" in Sidi Thabet is a non-profit organization created in 2009, situated in the North-Western suburbs of the capital Tunis/Tunisia. Its main aims are the day-care for and the socio-professional integration of children and young adults between age 6 and 30 with diverse types of disability through multiple activities, such as pet assisted therapy and horticulture.

to assess the potential benefits of therapeutic on-farm management.

We conducted a prospective study including 50 children and young adults aged 7 to 30 years with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders. Study participants were evaluated before inclusion and after 10 months of care using a self-established questionnaire collecting socio-demographic and clinical variables, an evaluation of competences, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

Mean sub scores (externalization/internalization) of CBCL decreased significantly (p<0.002). Competences were significantly improved in the following domains: understanding of verbal language, gross and fine motor skills, body hygiene, spatial and temporal orientation, preschool and school learning achievements and social integration.

These positive initial results should encourage the further development of this initiative with support of the community.