Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities in the world. About 1 percent of the world's population has autism. In the United States, 1 in every 68 births is expected to develop into autism.
Despite the extensive literature about the problem, there's still no cure or direct explanation as to why it happened. For parents with autistic children, they cope through different types of therapies. It's also important the children are diagnosed early so they can get into these types of treatments while the problem is still not worse. Interestingly, a new study reveals that pets can also be a good part of this therapy.
A study conducted by Gretchen Carlisle of the University of Missouri-Columbia cites the benefit of having a pet close by for autistic children: pets can help them become more social.
People with autism are often characterized by their lack of interaction with others. They don't respond to external stimulus such as a call by their name or a clap. They also cannot look at someone directly in the eye.
Thus, the effect of having a pet is extremely significant for both the parents and the children.
But what kind of pet should a household have? While some studies point out how dogs help improve the social skills of a person, in this research, any pet is actually possible. Those with pets fare better in socialization than children who don't have one. They are described as more assertive by asking directions or more information about another person. They are also more open to communicate. If a person asks them about their pets, the chances of them answering back are very high.
Their social skills also tend to improve the longer the home has a dog. A number of children, however, reported feeling more attachment to dogs that are of smaller size.
