How animal therapy can help autistic people
Animals can make us feel better just by existing and letting us be near them. For some people, animals can have even greater benefits than just warm and fuzzy feelings.
Animal therapy involves using animals in therapeutic interventions to promote health and well-being. Here at Happy Paws Happy Hearts, we work with all kinds of furry, feathered and scaly creatures – from dogs and cats to snakes and lizards – in our group sessions, designed to meet specific goals and preferences of our participants in a therapeutic context.
We work with autistic participants who find that HPHH helps them in many ways. Animal therapy has positively impacted their emotional, social, and cognitive well-being.
Let’s dive like ducks into the wonderful world of animal therapy for autistic people.
What is autism?
Before we ‘chirp’ about the benefits of animal therapy for autistic people, let’s briefly discuss autism in a broader context.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - commonly referred to as autism - is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals' communication, social interaction, and behaviour. ASD is a spectrum disorder because it encompasses many symptoms and functioning levels, varying from mild to severe. Autism is currently diagnosed based on the presence of certain criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
There are some common characteristics of ASD, including but not limited to: social difficulties, communication challenges, restricted and/or repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivities. Every autistic person is wonderfully unique – so autism can look very different from person to person.
Social difficulties
Autistic people can have challenges in social interaction and communication. They may struggle with understanding and using non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures and tone of voice. Some people may also struggle with making eye contact.
Communication challenges
Many autistic people can have difficulty with verbal and non-verbal communication. They may experience delayed speech, have trouble initiating or sustaining conversations, or exhibit echolalia (repeating words or phrases). Some autistic people have limited speech or are non-speakers.
Restricted and repetitive behaviours
Autistic people often engage in repetitive behaviours or have specific interests and routines which they like to stick to. Many autistic people ‘stim’ - which is the repetitive performance of certain physical movements or vocalisations. Some people may insist on sameness or routines, have intense interests in specific topics, or show sensory sensitivities or aversions.
Sensory sensitivities
Many autistic people have atypical responses to sensory stimuli. They might be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to sensory input such as sounds, lights, textures, tastes or even smells. This can vary widely from person to person.
Benefits of animal therapy for autistic people
Animal therapy has shown benefits for autistic people in several contexts: emotional support and regulation, social interaction, sensory integration, cognitive improvements, motivation and engagement.
Specifically, our participants have reported improvements in their mental health and well-being, increased social confidence and connections, increased sense of engagement with friends/family, increased confidence and a sense of purpose.
Let’s sink our teeth into exactly how animals have such a ‘paw-some’ impact on our autistic participants.
Emotional support and regulation
Animals are unconditional love and companionship experts, which can help us develop a sense of emotional security and reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness and stress. Simply interacting with animals has been shown to increase the release of oxytocin – a hormone associated with bonding and feelings of well-being.
Some autistic people can struggle with emotional regulation. Interacting with animals has been shown to promote self-soothing, reduce aggression, and improve emotional regulation. Animals are a calming presence and can be a source of emotional comfort and support during times of distress.
Social interaction
Animals can serve as a bridge for social interaction. In our sessions, our participants connect over their shared love of animals in a safe space, where conversations are often initiated and guided. This can improve social skills and help create friendships outside of the classroom.
Sometimes, engaging with animals instead of humans, feels easier because of their non-judgemental and accepting nature! Interacting with animals can also help improve social skills such as initiating and maintaining conversations, sharing responsibility, and developing empathy and understanding.
Cognitive benefits
Animal therapy can help autistic people with developing cognitive skills. Tasks such as following instructions, learning new skills (e.g., teaching animals' tricks), and participating in grooming routines can help to improve attention spans, problem-solving abilities, sequencing skills and memory.
Cognitive processes can also be stimulated through animal-related activities such as games, puzzles or training exercises.
Motivation and engagement
For some autistic people, trying new things can be stressful or even distressing. They may feel more willing to participate in group sessions that involve animals. This can lead to increased enthusiasm, persistence, and motivation to achieve their goals.
‘Paw-fect’ Points
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s communication, social interaction, and behaviour.
There are some common characteristics of ASD, including but not limited to: social difficulties, communication challenges, restricted and/or repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivities.
Animal therapy has been shown to benefit autistic people in several contexts: emotional support and regulation, social interaction, sensory integration, cognitive improvements, motivation and engagement.
While animal therapy has some ‘fur-tastic’ benefits for autistic people, everyone is different! Particularly if you’re not an avid animal lover, animal therapy may not be the right fit for you.