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People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) perceive the world differently. This means that you can face many challenges that others do not find difficult.
From social interactions to sensory processing disorders, people with ASD often struggle with everyday activities.
Living life can be difficult with these challenges and conflicts. But dogs, considered man’s best friend, can make that journey a little easier.
Dogs can be beneficial to people with autism by providing emotional support, companionship, comfort, and structure.
In this article, we’ll talk about autism and dogs and how our furry friends can positively impact the lives of people with autism.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
It is called a “spectrum” because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment or disability. And the extent and nature of these challenges vary from person to person.
Autism is considered a lifelong developmental disorder. People with autism may also experience problems such as anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate It is said that approximately 1 in 36 children falls on the autism spectrum.
Main characteristics of autism spectrum disorder
ASD can begin early in a child’s development. For individuals with ASD, the following are the main characteristics that affect their perception of the world around them.
1. Difficulties with social communication
People with autism usually find it difficult to communicate and interact with the people around them. Examples of communication difficulties include:
- Avoiding or having difficulty maintaining eye contact
- Difficulty understanding and responding to verbal and nonverbal communication
- Challenges in understanding social cues
- Difficulty starting or maintaining conversations or connections with people
- He doesn’t show any facial expressions such as happy, sad, or angry.
- Difficulty sharing interests with others
2. Repetitive and/or restricted behaviors or interests:
People with autism have behaviors and interests that may be unusual to others. Examples of such repetitive or restricted behaviors or interests include:
- I line up toys and things and panic when the “order” changes.
- repeating a word or phrase over and over again
- Make repetitive movements such as flipping or shaking your hands.
- focused on a particular topic or interest
- Get angry at changes in daily life or environment
3. Sensory hypersensitivity
People with autism may have symptoms such as: Hypersensitivity Below:
- tourist attractions
- sound
- It smells
- taste
- touch
- texture
There can be hypersensitivity (overreaction) or insensitivity (underreaction), which can lead to discomfort, stress, and even unwellness.
4. Late skills
People with autism develop skills more slowly than their peers, especially during childhood. These delay skills include:
- delay in language skills
- delayed movement skills
- Delays in cognitive or learning skills
Importance of intervention
These important characteristics are what make navigating the world difficult for people with autism. While autism cannot be “cured,” there are ways to actively intervene and support autistic functioning.
These interventions are important because they help address the challenges associated with autism. Thus, promoting personal growth, independence, and an overall improvement in quality of life.
Additionally, these interventions can also help provide emotional support, promote social interaction, and improve communication skills.
Dogs are perfect companions for people with autism
There are many reasons why dogs are called man’s best friend. But what makes them the perfect companions for people with autism?
First, they are non-judgmental creatures. They will never discriminate against humans based on their appearance or origin, as long as you are kind to them.
Additionally, dogs provide unconditional love, support, and loyalty. This is what people with autism need who may struggle with social interactions.
dogs also scientifically proven It’s good for our overall health. For example, a new study found that playing with a dog not only reduces stress, but also improves concentration.
So who is a better companion for an autistic person than a dog?
The positive influence of dogs on people with autism
Being able to form bonds with people, regardless of their disabilities or problems, may be a dog’s superpower. And for people living with autism, this has many positive effects.
So without further ado, here are six ways dogs can positively impact people with autism.
1. Provide emotional support and stability
Science has proven time and time again that dogs are irreplaceable to us. FumanEspecially to our emotional and mental well-being.
a study They found that 77% of adults with autism may suffer from depression or anxiety. And with the help of dogs, people with autism can better manage their mental health.
moreover, proven Introducing a service dog into a home with a child with autism has been shown to reduce anxiety and anger, and increase calmness.
Not only that, another study Dogs have also been found to help families of children with autism reduce parental stress.
2. Developing independence
For people with autism, going out, running errands, and taking public transportation can all seem like a challenge. But having a dog makes you feel calmer, more confident, and safer.
As a result, people and dogs with autism are more likely to stay focused and act impulsively when out and about.
Over time, this will help the autistic person become more independent, opening up more opportunities for them to later confidently engage with their community and environment.
Additionally, the fact that autistic people and dogs have to care for other living things fosters their responsibility and independence.
3. Improving social and communication skills
Research shows that children and dogs with autism perform better in social situations and are better able to express themselves. Being with a dog also allows them to exhibit behaviors such as sharing and empathy.
In addition to helping develop social skills, people with autism can improve their language and communication skills by talking, playing, and communicating with their pets.
moreover, Fuman I naturally love dogs and am drawn to them. That makes it a great and easy conversation starter.
4. Providing stability and consistency
Autistic people and dogs have something in common. It’s about loving routine and consistency.
Just like people with autism, dogs love routine. They love to feed at the same time, walk at the same time, and go to the bathroom at the same time. – every day!
So for people with autism, this will provide the consistency and stability they need.
5. Helps improve physical health
Not only do dogs improve the mental health of people with autism, but these four-legged friends also help maintain their physical health.
People with autism can take the dog for walks or play fetch with the dog as part of their daily routine. This burns off excess energy and is especially helpful for people with ADHD.
Additionally, exercise has been shown to release endorphins (also known as “happy hormones”), which affect your overall sense of well-being and attitude.
6. Providing sensory support
Dogs are also great at providing sensory support to people with autism. Dogs can bring a level of calm in moments of irritability or anxiety just by having them around.
Autism and dogs: factors to consider when choosing the ideal dog
There is no doubt that dogs have a huge impact on our lives. And this is especially true for people with autism.
However, when choosing a dog for an autistic person, there are important factors to consider to ensure that both the autistic person and the dog are a good match for each other.
These factors include:
- Dog temperament and personality: A dog’s temperament and personality will determine how effective a dog is as a companion. They must be calm, patient, kind and intelligent. And they must have a natural drive to bond with individuals and provide comfort, especially when they need it most.
- Dog size and energy level: Some people with autism benefit from large dogs with more activity, while others, especially children, want a smaller dog that is less intimidating and much easier to care for. Maybe.
- Type of dog: It is important to identify what kind of dog a person with autism needs. Does the task need to be performed by a trained and certified dog to reduce handicap to the handler? service dog It’s what they need. Or do you need a dog that can meet the psychological and emotional needs of its owner? after that, therapy dog It’s perfect! Or do they just need a friendly, loving, easy-going presence in their life to give them the love and attention they need? after that, family companion That’s what they’re looking for!
Dogs are invaluable to people with autism, but not everyone can benefit from owning a dog. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and consider the above factors before deciding to get a dog.
Additionally, while being autistic should not be taken lightly, owning a dog is also a big responsibility.
conclusion
Life for people with autism can be difficult in many ways. And in the case of dogs, they may find a companion who can provide them with the love, support, and stability they need as they go through life.
Dogs are lifelong friends. No matter who you are, they will love, support and be loyal to you without judgment.
