Beyond the Boundaries of Silence: The Use of Animal-Assisted Therapy and the Makaton System in Supporting with Individuals with Communication Difficulties in the Context of Inclusive Education

Abstract

Animal-assisted therapy, grounded in the human–animal relationship, helps reduce anxiety, enhances motivation to engage in activities, and creates natural opportunities for communication. Meanwhile, the Makaton system – combining gestures, graphic symbols, and grammatically correct speech – provides access to augmentative and alternative forms of communication, increasing the sense of agency and participation among individuals who are non-speaking or have limited speech. The integration of these two approaches enables the creation of a safe and engaging educational and therapeutic environment in which communication becomes more accessible and meaningful.