Summary. Research shows that autistic people prefer interactions with animals over humans and that 80% of autistic children have participated in pet therapy.
People with Asperger's syndrome often tend to bond more easily with animals than they do with people. Medical research has shown that pets can be highly beneficial for children with Asperger's, as an animal gives affection unconditionally, is non-judgmental and provides emotional and physical therapy.
Scientists at the University of Rennes in France observed 23 autistic and 19 non-autistic children and found that autistic children might prefer spending time with cats instead of dogs. The “less intrusive glance” of cats may be why they feel more comfortable with cats, says Marine Grandgeorge who worked on the study.
Your child with autism may enjoy having a pet nearby. It may help reduce anxiety and give him/her a sense of companionship. Many children with pets show an increase in self-confidence as well.
People with autism often have fears that are making their daily lives very complicated. A dog can help them feel safer in many situations and improve their anxiety. It's extremely useful for stressful situations, starting school and so on.
Though autistic people may respond to emotions and social cues differently than neurotypical people, this does not mean they lack empathy. Just like neurotypical people, levels of empathy vary between autistic individuals.
Sonic the Hedgehog has a special place in the hearts of many autistic people since its very beginning in 1991. The game's rich colors, bright graphics, and fast-paced action make it a perfect choice for autistic individuals who have difficulty processing information quickly.
Dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are not just cute companions, they're also great for helping autistic children with their social and emotional development.
Autistic kids and adults tend to do very well in socializing with cats, dogs, horses, etc. Interacting with animals brings out more advanced socialization skills, which they can then use, to some extent, with other humans.
An animal can provide companionship, friendship, reduce loneliness and alleviate anxiety. It can be easier for a person with autism to interact with an animal because an animal is nonverbal and non-judgemental. Owning a pet can also foster responsibility in children.
The butterfly symbol is one that signifies change and represents the diversity of people on the autism spectrum. It also symbolizes the full lives of the autistic community, and the beauty of the differences of autistic people.
Dog phobias are common in individuals with autism; however, evidence supporting behavioral interventions is limited.
Dogs can be wonderful pets and companions for children with autism. Dogs provide the kind of unconditional companionship and friendship that can help a child with autism build social skills and confidence.
People with autism often experience love differently from neurotypical people. Their expression of love is less straightforward, as they tend to rely heavily on non-verbal communication. This can mean that those who are neurotypical may find it difficult to interpret the signs of affection.
Widespread stereotypes suggest that people with autism are incapable of feeling romantic love. In reality, people with autism can experience romantic love and often attach considerable value to their close relationships.
Adults with autism can be great parents or guardians. While a person with moderate or severe autism is unlikely to have the skills to raise a child, many people with high-functioning autism are ready, willing, and able, to take on the challenges of raising kids.
Caring for a cat helps children with ASD learn empathy and compassion as well as teaching responsibility. Petting a cat relieves stress and anxiety not just for the child with ASD, but the whole family. Cats are nonjudgmental, allowing children with ASD to feel relaxed and to connect freely with their cat companion.
Best Cats For Autism
The ideal cat is outgoing, friendly and not fearful. Breeds known for these traits include the Ragdoll, Birman and Burmese. For the best results, start with a young kitten so they learn to like the unpredictable behaviour of children.
Cats, as well as autists, often seek out and enjoy the company of humans and cats. But cats can become stressed when living with too many other cats, which is probably something Autistic people can relate to. Nonhuman animals in general give us easy, straightforward companionship.
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.
Autism in dogs, or canine dysfunctional behavior, is an idiopathic condition, which means that the cause is unknown. What we do know is that it's congenital, and that dogs exhibiting dysfunctional behaviors are born with the condition.
Interestingly, having a pet can help children and adults with ADHD reduce their symptoms and stress levels. Someone with ADHD who has a dog is receiving more than just a buddy. Pets, for people with ADHD, enables them to improve their time management skills, self esteem, ability to follow routines and more.
Considering this evidence for autistic people's different experience of touch, it is no wonder that autistic children may avoid touch or only engage in touch under certain conditions. It has been reported that autistic children engage in cuddles less than non-autistic peers (Baranek, 1999).
Every autistic person is different, but sensory differences, changes in routine, anxiety, and communication difficulties are common triggers.