A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing has strengthened the notion that dog ownership can be beneficial to children on the autism spectrum.
It was reported by Gretchen Carlisle, PhD, of the University of Missouri Research Center for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) that “Children with autism spectrum disorders often struggle with interacting with others, which can make it difficult for them to form friendships.” This comes on the heels of reports that the majority of children with autism strongly bond with dogs.
Dr. Carlisle says, “Children with autism may especially benefit from interacting with dogs, which can provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love, and companionship to the children.” In the study, 70 people who had children with autism participated.
The results showed that 66 percent of these families had dogs in the house, and an astounding 94 percent said their children had formed strong bonds with the family pet.
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