Animal Assisted Therapy in Autism

09 Mar Animal Assisted Therapy in Autism

People with autism who become animal lovers join the ranks of millions of other people who share their animal-loving passion and interest. Finding a group with a shared interest can be life-changing for people living with autism.

Studies on autism and animals are almost universally positive. Pets, service dogs, and animal-assisted therapies help people with autism cope up with anxiety, engage more fully with other people, and even build communication skills. One study suggested that people living with autism smile a lot more when they’re around animals.

• Therapy animals: Therapy animals may be any species; cats, dogs, Guinea pigs, parrots, horses, and many other animals can help people with autism build social communication skills, manage their emotions, and (for children) build play skills. Therapy animals are also used to support positive social interactions with peers.

• Emotional support animals: Emotional support animals are often pets. They are animals that make it easier for a person living with autism to manage stressful situations such as travel, school, or medical interventions. Typically, emotional support animals must be certified by a clinician in order to be allowed into settings (such as schools) where animals are rarely allowed.