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People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) perceive the world differently. This means they can face a number of challenges that others do not find difficult.
From social interactions to sensory processing disorders, people with ASD can often struggle with day-to-day activities.
With these challenges and struggles, navigating through life can be difficult. But dogs, considered to be man’s best friend, can make the journey a little easier.
Dogs can be beneficial to people with autism with the emotional support, companionship, comfort, and structure they provide.
In this article, we’ll talk about autism and dogs – and how our furry friends can positively affect the life of an individual with autism.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
It is called a “spectrum” simply because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms, skills, level of impairment or disability. And the extent and nature of these challenges vary from one person to another.
Autism is considered a lifelong developmental condition. And individuals with autism can also encounter problems such as anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 1 in 36 children to be on the autism spectrum.
Key Characteristics Of Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASD can start early during a child’s development. And for individuals with ASD, the following are key characteristics that affects how they perceive the world around them.
1. Difficulty In Social Communication
Individuals with autism usually find it difficult to communicate and interact with people around them. Examples of communication struggles include:
- Avoiding or difficulty maintaining eye contact
- Difficulty understanding and responding to verbal and non-verbal communication
- Challenges in understanding social cues
- Trouble initiating or maintaining conversations and connections with people
- Not showing facial expressions such as happy, sad, angry, etc.
- Difficulty sharing interests with others
2. Repetitive And/Or Restricted Behaviors or Interests:
Individuals with Autism also have behaviors or interests that seem unusual for others. Examples of these repetitive or restricted behaviors or interests include:
- Lining up toys or objects and getting upset when “order” is changed
- Repeating words or phrases over and over
- Doing repetitive movements such as hand-flipping, rocking, etc.
- Being intensely focused on specific topics or interests
- Getting upset to changes in their routine or environment
3. Sensory Sensitivities
Individuals with autism might have sensitivities to the following:
- Sights
- Sounds
- Smells
- Tastes
- Touch
- Textures
They can either have hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) that can lead to discomfort, stress, or even meltdowns.
4. Delayed Skills
Individuals with autism develop skills slower than their companions, especially as children. These delayed skills include:
- Delayed language skills
- Delayed movement skills
- Delayed cognitive or learning skills
The Importance Of Interventions
These key characteristics are what makes navigating the world challenging for individuals with autism. And while there is no “cure” for autism, there are methods to positively intervene and support them in their functioning.
These interventions are important because they help address the challenges associated with autism. Therefore, promoting personal growth, independence, and overall improvement in the quality of life.
Furthermore, these interventions also help provide emotional support, encourages social interaction, and enhances communication skills.
Dogs As The Perfect Companions For Individuals With Autism
Dogs are called man’s best friend for plenty of reasons. But what makes them the perfect companions for individuals with autism?
Well, for one, they’re non-judgmental creatures. They never discriminate between humans based on what they look or where they come from, as long as you are nice to them.
Furthermore, dogs offer unconditional love, support, and loyalty – things that individuals with autism who may struggle with social interactions need.
Dogs are also scientifically proven to be good for our over-all health. For example, a new study found that playing with dogs doesn’t only relieve our stress, but also helps us concentrate better.
So, who would be better companions for individuals with autism than dogs?
The Positive Effects Of Dogs On Individuals With Autism
It might be a dog’s super power to be able to establish bonds with people, no matter the disability or problem. And for people living with autism, there are many positive effects to this.
So, without further ado, here are six ways dogs positively affect individuals with autism:
1. Providing Emotional Support And Stability
Time and time again, science has proven that dogs are invaluable to us, hoomans, especially to our emotional and mental well-being.
A study found that 77% of adults with autism can suffer from depression and anxiety. And with the help of dogs, individuals with autism can better manage their mental health.
Furthermore, it has been proven that incorporating a service dog into a family with a child with autism have shown a decrease in anxiety and anger and an increase in calmness.
Not only that, but another study found that dogs are also able to help families of children with autism reduce parental stress.
2. Fostering Independence
Going outside, running errands, or riding on public transport can all seem overwhelming for individuals with autism. But with a dog, they can feel a lot calmer, confident, and safe.
So, individuals with autism and dogs are more likely to stay focused and engage in impulsive behaviors when out and about.
Over time, this helps individuals with autism become more independent that will later open more opportunities for them to confidently engage with their community and environment.
Furthermore, the fact that individuals with autism and dogs have to care for another living being fosters responsibility and independence in them.
3. Enhancing Social And Communication Skills
Research shows that children with autism and dogs perform better in social situations and are able to express themselves a lot better. They are also able to exhibit behaviors such as sharing and empathy when they have a dog with them.
Aside from helping develop social skills, individuals with autism are able to enhance their language and communication skills as they start to speak, play, and communicate with their pet.
Additionally, hoomans naturally love and are drawn to dogs! So they make great and easy conversation starters.
4. Providing Stability And Consistency
Individuals with autism and dogs have this thing in common: the love for routines and consistency!
Just like people with autism, dogs love routines. They love to be fed at the same time, walked at the same time, and go potty at the same time – every day!
So, for individuals with autism, this will provide them with the consistency and stability they need.
5. Helping Improve Physical Health
Dogs don’t only help improve the mental well-being of individuals with autism, but these four-legged friends also help keep them physically fit!
As part of their routine, individuals with autism can take their dog out for a walk or play fetch with it. This in turn will burn off excess energy, which is especially helpful for those with ADHD.
Furthermore, exercising is proven to release Endorphins (aka “happy hormones”) that affects overall happiness and demeanor.
6. Providing Sensory Support
Dogs are also great at providing sensory support for individuals with autism. With their presence alone, dogs can bring a level of calm in moments of hypersensitivity or anxiety.
Autism And Dogs: Factors To Consider When Choosing The Ideal Dog
There is no doubt that dogs have a profound impact on our lives. And this is especially true for those with autism.
However, when choosing a dog for an individual with autism, there are important factors to consider to ensure that both individual with autism and the dog are a suitable match for each other.
These factors include:
- Dog’s Temperament and Personality: A dog’s temperament and personality will determine how effective they are as a companion. They must be calm, patient, gentle, and intelligent. And they must have the natural willingness to bond with and provide comfort to an individual, especially when they need it most.
- Dog’s Size And Energy Level: While some individuals with autism will benefit from a highly-active and big dog, others, especially children, may want and need a smaller dog that is less intimidating and a lot easier to care for.
- Type Of Dog: It is important to identify what type of dog an individual with autism will need. Will they need a dog that is trained and certified to perform tasks to help ease their handler’s disabilities? Then a service dog is what they need. Or will they need a dog that will be able to cater to their handler’s psychological and emotional needs? Then a therapy dog is perfect! Or will they simply need a friendly, loving, and easygoing presence in their life that will give them the love and attention they need? Then a family companion is what they’re looking for!
While dogs are invaluable to individuals with autism, not all will benefit from having a dog. So, it’s important to assess and consider the abovementioned factors before deciding to get a dog.
Furthermore, while having autism is not to be taken lightly, owning a dog can also be a big responsibility.
Conclusion
Life for individuals with autism can be challenging in many ways. And with dogs, they may find a companion that will provide them with the love, support, and stability they need as they navigate through life.
Dogs are friends for life. Regardless of what or who you are, they will love, support, and be loyal to you without judgement.
