Why Dogs Greatly Benefit Those With Autism

It’s no secret that dogs can improve the lives of people living with various conditions, from PTSD to physical health problems. Since WWII, animal-assisted therapy has proven effective in helping those with disabilities to have a better quality of life.

And as healthcare professionals learn more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we gain a greater understanding of how dogs can help those with autism gain valuable social and communication skills.

No matter the age of an autistic individual, having an emotional support or therapy dog has numerous benefits.

Here are some of the benefits of dogs for autism:

Globally, approximately 1% of the population has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and its prevalence has increased in recent years. On an annual basis, the condition costs U.S. citizens between $236 and $262 billion. That's a staunch indication that alternative treatment methods, such as animal-assisted therapy, are needed to help reduce that cost.

In many cases, healthcare costs are prohibitive, especially among children. Data from 2016 indicates that about 28% of children in the U.S. lack access to essential health services. Among those under-served children are those with autism, which number about 1.5 million children nationwide.

By utilizing companion and therapy dogs as part of an autistic individual’s treatment plan, more children and adults with autism can live productive lives with reduced healthcare bills.

We understand that dogs can help adults and children with special needs by providing companionship and emotional support, but our understanding of autism is less clear.

Many misconceptions accompany the condition, such as the misguided idea that vaccines can cause autism. According to Autism Speaks, that notion is entirely false.

The causes of autism are complex and vary among individuals. Both genetic and environmental risk factors link autism. However, research indicates that pregnancy and birth complications are among the most significant factors. 

Therefore, pregnant women may reduce the risk of autism in utero by making the right health choices. For example, drinking alcohol should be avoided as it can adversely affect unborn babies.

Training is an important aspect to consider when utilizing dogs for therapy or emotional support. Some breeds are much more trainable than others, making them ideal support animals for those with autism.

Labradors are among the most trainable and intelligent breeds within the dog kingdom; thus, they stand out as one of the best species for service of all kinds.

Along with their intelligence, Labs also tend to display a fierce loyalty, as they are pack-oriented. They quickly form bonds, which is another benefit for those with autism.

Autistic individuals often have difficulty forming bonds with people but find it much easier to connect with animals. A 2014 study showed that 94% of families with a dog and a child on the autism spectrum reported that their child had a strong bond with the family dog.

The above are among the best dogs for children with autism. However, when you select the right companion dog (even among the above breeds), the winner should have a good demeanor and personality. This selection will ensure that the dog is a good match for an autistic child (or adult). 

Researchers have found that having a dog impacts our brain health. Specifically, spending time with the family dog increases dopamine and oxytocin, neurotransmitters that are responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.

That effect alone makes dogs ideal companions for those with autism, who may have difficulty expressing emotions, especially happiness and pleasure.

Further, oxytocin and dopamine can produce a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety. Petting a dog stimulates these neurotransmitters, but animal-assisted therapy is only one of the various treatment options that have similar results.

While animal therapy is a popular choice for treating children with autism, music can also help autistic children cope with stress and other difficulties.

Music therapy is a powerful emotional tool that encourages the brain to release dopamine. Music can also help improve social, emotional, and character development among children. In more severe cases on the autism spectrum, a combination of animal-assisted and music therapies may serve as the cornerstone of an effective treatment plan.

Dogs aren’t the only requested animals within the realm of animal-assisted therapy. In recent years, equine therapy has become more popular, especially in autism treatment settings.

Experts claim that horses can calm riders with autism, allowing them to think, focus, and accept training commands. There is evidence that autistic individuals form strong bonds with horses and dogs.

According to numerous studies, animals’ social behaviors and characteristics engage children with autism in ways that humans can’t, which is why animal-assisted therapy is so effective in autism treatment.

Communicating with animals doesn’t necessarily require verbal language or understanding social cues, both of which can be problematic for those with autism.

As dogs connect with an individual, they develop a sense of fear, anger, or otherwise upset. In those moments, therapy and emotional support dogs will do whatever it takes to calm an individual down and make them feel safe.

Moreover, they will even lay across autistic children with a breakdown or fit until their heart rate and breathing have slowed down to normal levels.