Dogs help families with autistic children, study finds
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New research suggests that owning a pet dog reduces stress and improves functioning in families who have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Researchers from the University of Lincoln also found there were fewer dysfunctional interactions between parents and children in these families.
While previous studies have focused on the effects of a pet dog on children with autism, this is one of the first to look at the wider impacts on family units.
The findings, which have been published in the American Journal of Veterinary Behavior, show that ownership of a pet dog can have long term benefits for families.
Researchers followed up on families that had taken part in a previous study exploring the early effects of owning a pet dog - rather than a specially trained assistance dog. Now, two-and-a-half years later, researchers say the initial benefits of reduced family problems persist years after acquiring a dog, and stress levels continue to show a steady decline.
Lead author Professor Daniel Mills said: "Stress associated with parenting a child with autism continued to decrease among dog owners over time, but we did not see the same reductions in families without a dog."
The study was funded by the US-based Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI). It is among the first of many projects being funded by the initiative to find out more about the effects of companion animals on human health.
Commenting on the research, HABRI executive director Steven Feldman said: "Parents of children with autism can experience increased anxiety and stress, and now we have strong scientific evidence to show that pets can have positive effects on these quality-of-life issues."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
