Animals And Autism

In the United Kingdom, one in one hundred children are diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and in the USA it is believed around one in sixty eight children are diagnosed.

In Australia, around 1 in 150 people were diagnosed with autism in 2015. Research suggests that animals can have beneficial effects on some autistic people, however perhaps not all. The species of animal which can connect and benefit an autistic person can vary and will completely depend on the person’s own preference, their own experiences and also the individual character of the animal. Some autistic people can find animals too unpredictable, and again this may be down to a particular experience or perhaps the character of that specific animal.

Animals can be used as therapy for autistic children to assist in their development and perhaps starting these experiences from a younger age can help the person feel more connected and at ease with the presence of an animal. Animals can act as a barrier against the everyday social stress that an autistic person can suffer. The animal allows the person to communicate without the use of speech or eye contact, and they can bring comfort when they are feeling down or anxious.

One study undertaken by Purdue University revealed that by placing Guinea Pigs in classrooms for bonding time improved the sociability of both children on the spectrum and children who were regular learners. The autistic children also appeared more at ease as the Guinea Pigs acted as a safeguard for the usual social stress caused by these social environments of the learning place.

Other studies involving acting therapy dogs show results that the autistic child becomes more attentive, more compliant and can work with their therapist for longer with the presence of the therapy dog. Dogs have assisted autistic children with their daily lives and through these types of therapies research shows clearly a reduction in stress levels and behavioural outbreaks, whilst increasing positive behavioural changes and providing comfort to the child.

Horses can also have beneficial effects and there are many therapy based equestrian centres which focus on children with autism. Riding the horse acts as a source of sensory learning and inspires motor and emotional sensations. When the child rides the horse this encourages the child to communicate in different ways and they can become more social.

So, research does suggest that animals do certainly have positive benefits for autistic people. The animal not only provides unconditional love but also provides communication in a very simple form. Where social situations would usually cause major stress and anxiety, the animal brings calm and can even encourage them to be more social.

Having pets in the household from a young age can certainly allow the child to become connected with the animal and can help improve their social skills, however careful consideration should be taken before bringing any new pet into any household.

It is important, particularly with autistic children, to ensure the species is appropriate and the individual nature of the animal is calm. For example, an overexcited, highly energetic breed of dog would most likely cause more stress and anxiety than a breed with traits which are more calm and placid.

The use of animals as therapy for autism not only stops at Guinea Pigs, Dogs and Horses, but also Rabbits and Cats have been known to provide benefits. The nature of the animal should usually be more calm and attentive to human needs, rather than an overexcited or a scared animal. Animals not only benefit people who live with autism but can also benefit regular people by providing companionship and unconditional love in everyday life.

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