Dolphins to help treat autistic children in China according to a recent story.
Complete with anecdotes:
A five-year-old boy from Anshan city who used to speak only a few words was able to go to kindergarten and even sing along with songs on television after a one-and-a-half-month treatment, Chen said.
And an odd explanation of why it works
Chen said dolphins emit high-frequency ultrasonic waves which stimulate dormant brain cells in autistic children. However, such treatment is only an assisted therapy and is not effective for all autistic children.
and claims of efficacy.
“Although the effectiveness reaches 90 per cent, some families still said the treatment was not effective for their children,” Chen said.
Now that they have the reputation, they are no longer free. They plan to charge 2000 yuan per month. That’s as much or more that the monthly salary for many in China.
Left Brain Right Brain 
whoa the kid could now sing along to songs. Wonder if he can also recite the whole show? *cynical or skeptical, I’m not sure*
Ahem.
Yup, don’t worry, China’s just a susceptible as the rest of the world.
Wow, I live in Shanghai now and this sounds like a great deal! Can’t wait to get my son out there. Hey, if it does not work, at least I got a cool trip and a way to see dolphins up close.
I don’t think this deserves to be grouped in the same “quackery” category as chelation, et al. The sensible and reasonably positive conclusion is that the child could have benefited from contact with the animals. Personally, I think the study of animals can be very helpful specifically for understanding body language. I once shared my experience, that it was easier to “read” animals than people, and several other autistics agreed.
I’m aware of several people with autism that were able to sing along with songs as children.
And recite the script.
And use the catchphrases.
Again and again. Over and over.
I rather take dolphins over reaming pills up kids asses.