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Autism And Dogs: Exploring The Positive Effects Of Dogs On Individuals With Autism

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?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, learns, acts, and interacts with others.

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.
a psychologist is engaged with an adult autistic man in the office.
Miridda / Shutterstock.com

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

Specialist provides detailed insight into child's unique needs and potential interventions. Early intervention.
Alena Lom / Shutterstock.com

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

Preschool boy watching TV with his Shiba inu dog on blue sofa.
Egrigorovich / Shutterstock.com

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

Individual with autism and dogs at the park interacting
Daniel Megias / Shutterstock.com

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

dog walking on loose leash next to owner in autumn park on warm sunny day
alexei_tm / Shutterstock.com

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.

man with black hair smiling with his labrador dog
ChiccoDodiFC / Shutterstock.com

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.

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Study Reveals Dogs Remember Toy Names Even After Years Of Not Seeing Them

Remember that worn-out stuffed toy you threw away a few years ago? No? Well, chances are, your dog may still remember them.

A new study found that our furry friends have great memory and can actually remember the names of their toys for longer than we might think.

In the study, published in journal Biology Letters, the team of researchers, Shany Dror, Ádám Miklósi and Claudia Fugazza, wanted to learn more about dogs and long-term memory since little is known about it.

The researchers wanted to know if dogs can retain their associations of objects due to repeated use, or if they’re like us, humans, and are able to store associations in long-term memory.

Dog looking at toy
OksanaArtyuhova / Shutterstock.com

Results from the study found that some of the smartest of dogs, referred to as gifted word learner (GWL) dogs in the study, can retain object names, even if they haven’t seen the same object for two years.

Five GWL dogs (two females, and three males) participated in the study. And the study’s experiment started in December 2020 where the dogs were taught the names of 12 toys in 1 week.

The researchers let the dogs, along with their owners, play with the toys for a few months before storing the toys away for two years.

Two years later, the researchers brought the dogs out individually, showed them the toys, along with other objects familiar with the dogs, in the room. They then asked the dogs to retrieve the test toys by calling out the toy’s name.

After the test, the researchers found that the dogs were accurate in retrieving the toy specified 44% of the time, while some even had a 60% accuracy rate.

Dog with a toy in its mouth
Tatyana Vyc / Shutterstock.com

Dr Claudia Fugazza tells Country Living Magazine, “We know that dogs can remember events for at least 24 hours and odors for up to one year but this is the first study showing that some talented dogs can remember words for at least two years.”

“The findings of our current study cannot be generalised to other dogs because we only tested gifted word learners (GWL) dogs, individuals that show a special talent for acquiring object words.”

And while the research was only done on smart dogs, it’s still shows that the ability to store associations in long-term memory is not uniquely human.

Furthermore, this discovery can further help scientists learn how other species that aren’t human retain their memories in the long term.

“GWL dogs provide a unique opportunity to examine whether such correlations may also exist in a species that does not possess language,” the researchers concluded.

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Buying vs. Adopting Dogs: Making An Informed Decision

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. And while many prospective dog owners, especially first-time owners, think they understand the depth of this commitment, it is often difficult for them to foresee the full range of such responsibility.

We believe that as dog owners, whether seasoned or new, being responsible for the overall well-being of a dog should be the forefront of every decision you make moving forward.

And responsible dog ownership doesn’t start when you get a dog. Making an informed decision and preparing yourself for the commitment that’s about to come is where it truly begins.

first-time dog owners arriving home with new dog
Southworks / Shutterstock.com

And that’s why in honor of Responsible Dog Ownership Month, we’re here to help you make an informed decision on where and how to get a dog. This is also a great opportunity to help your reflect on what it truly means to provide a happy, healthy, and safe environment for your dog, especially for first-time dog owners.

If you’ve finally made the decision to add a furry friend to your family and into your home, now it’s time to determine what route to take – buying or adopting? This is one of the biggest dilemma for many prospective dog owners. And making a decision between these options isn’t easy.

So, in this article, we’ll discuss both options of buying and adopting dogs so you can consider all factors for an informed and responsible decision.

Knowing The Difference Between Buying And Adopting Dogs

The first step to making a decision between buying and adopting dogs is to know their main differences. Below, we’ll discuss just that.

Buying Dogs

Happy couple buying transport box for their French bulldog puppy in pet shop
hedgehog94 / Shutterstock.com

Buying dogs mean purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder, at pet stores, and/or online.

Many people who buy dogs are often those who want a puppy, and/or have their hearts set on specific characteristics such as breed, age, color, size, temperament, or pedigree, which can be difficult to find at a shelter.

Buying can be more expensive, since people who prefer to buy a dog want to own a specific breed of dog, which leads to buying one from a breeder, at the pet store, or online.

Additionally, purebred dogs or dogs from highly reputable breeders can be quite expensive. And then reputable breeders also charge additional fees, on top of the purchase price, for vaccinations, health checks, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and many more.

Furthermore, buying a dog is more time-consuming, because you need to thoroughly do your own extensive research about the breed and find a responsible, and ethical breeder where you’re getting the dog from.

Adopting Dogs

Young good looking couple wants to adopt beautiful dog at animal shelter
hedgehog94 / Shutterstock.com

Adopting dogs mean taking in a dog from an animal shelter, rescue organization, or even directly from a previous owner. These dogs are usually stray, abandoned dogs or dogs that need rehoming.

Unlike buying, adopting dogs involve a process that is focused on finding the most suitable home and owner for a dog.

So, when you adopt a dog, the organization or person where you’re adopting from will need to evaluate your lifestyle and also your ability to provide and take care of the pooch.

Adopting is not as expensive as buying. Because the adoption fee usually includes essential services such initial medical care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, etc.

Furthermore, you might not have to do as much research as compared to when you buy a dog. Usually, shelters and rescue organizations have assessments of their dogs’ behavior and temperament. So, you have a generally good idea of what you’re getting into.

Pros & Cons: Buying vs. Adopting Dogs

Buying and adopting dogs have their own pros and cons. And making sure to reflect on these will help you make a choice the properly aligns with your lifestyle and your personal and ethical values.

Buying Dogs

Litter dogs in the hands of the breeder.
David Tadevosian / Shutterstock.com

Are you leaning more towards the option to buy a dog? Use the following pros and cons to help you become more confident in your choice or give you insight into why adopting dogs might be better suited for you.

Adopting Dogs

Adopting dogs from the shelter
David Tadevosian / Shutterstock.com

Have you decided that adopting dogs is something that speaks to you a lot better than buying dogs? Well, here are pros and cons to help you seal the deal.

Buying vs. Adopting: Which Is The Better Option?

Male hand petting stray dog in pet shelter
Evgenii Bakhchev / Shutterstock.com

While buying dogs can provide you with a cute puppy, all the breed-specific characteristics you’re looking for, early training, it is a responsible dog owner’s responsibility to come to a conclusion with careful consideration of not only your lifestyle, but of larger issues such as the impact on animal welfare and other ethical concerns.

On the flip side, adopting dogs is not only compassionate but also an ethical choice. It saves lives, reduces costs, and positively contribute to animal welfare organizations. However, it still does come with its own challenges.

While both buying and adopting dogs have their own pros and cons, prospective dog owners should do their due diligence before choosing any of the options presented.

Furthermore, we want to encourage prospective dog owners to seriously weigh in both options with the primary focus being responsible dog ownership.

Because at the end of the day, whether a dog is purebred or mixed breed, a dog’s overall well-being should be at the center of your decision-making process.

Conclusion

dogs enjoy playing on beach with owner
amfroey / Shutterstock.com

Making a well-informed decision will not only positively affect you, but will also positively contribute to the dog’s welfare and the pet community as a whole.

As a prospective owner, knowing the weight of the decision to own a dog is important. Do your own research, reflect, and make a choice that truly aligns with your values and lifestyle.

And whether you choose to buy or adopt, we want to, yet again, remind that responsible dog ownership should be paramount.