Can Pets Increase Social Connection of Autistic Children?

 “You learn in this business: If you want a friend, get a dog.” –  Carl Icahn

Pets increase the social connection of both children and adults. They provide the best psychological benefits we ever imagined.

Pets offer more than just companionship to us, and it can be a good reason why we should have a pet in our home. 

Humans have been using pets for domestic purposes from ancient times. But now pets are mainly used for their unconditional love and companionship.

Studies show that pets are the best which can help create human-human social connections and increase their social skills. These are best for their long-term health. 

How helpful are Pets for Autistic Children to increase their social skills?

Pets can be a great companion when it comes to children. Children are often shy especially Autistic Children.

They tend to be less socializing. That can lead to bullying, rejection, isolation, and other stressful situations with children of their age. 

Research has found that Autistic children who have pets at their home have much greater social skills and communicate better than children who don't have kids at their home.

Pets are the best social lubricant. Autistic Children develop a connection with their pets and are more communicative if someone asks questions about their pets.

The Connection between Autistic Kids and Pets

Autistic Children don't like to engage with others. They prefer to communicate only with others with who they have a connection.

A Psychological Research has found that children with Autism who live with Pets are more assertive than those with no pets. Any kind of pet can act as the best social catalyst for Autistic Children.

Though Autism cannot be cured, Scientists have found that pets can be really beneficial to increase their well-being and social life. 

Best Pets for Autistic Children that Increase their Social Skills

Most adults and Children with Autism prefer Dogs over other pets. Because dogs are the best pets for cuddling and playing. 

But just like Non-Autistic Humans, Autistic people are diverse and it's up to their individual preferences of which pets they want.

Dogs

Autistic Children often have low muscle tone and less physical stamina which makes active or barking dogs highly unsuitable for them.
Therapy and Support dogs that are more gentle, large, and well trained can be the best pet to increase the social connection of Autistic Children.

Pets like Labradors and Golden Retrievers are popular among the parents of Autistic Children if their child is more prone to aggression.

There are many international organizations like Autism Dogs, Support Dogs, and Dogs for Autism that provide the necessary training for pet dogs owners to get the most out of them.

Cats

Some Children with Autism develop a strong sense of connection with cats because they are shy and less intimidating than dogs.

Autistic Children feel more comfortable with cats since they have distinct personalities.

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs can be less expensive and are often best, intelligent and gentle.

Though they can be disturbed easily and often become grumpy and bite, guinea pigs are a shorter commitment since they have a short lifespan.

Horse

Equine Therapy is also becoming popular for Autistic Children these days. Though some autistic children are fearful of horses, others find them amusing and therapeutic. 

Horseback rides can improve the strength and talk of Autistic Children with their horses thereby increasing their overall language and communication skills.

Are Mammals a better choice of Pets to increase Social Connection for Autistic Children than other Pets?

Though pets like fish and birds can be soothing, they can't provide any kind of interaction that increases Autistic Children's social skills.

Interaction with pets like reptiles can also cause infections like salmonella in some children which makes reptiles unsuitable as Children's pets.

Hence Mammals are the best choice since they increase movement and social interaction.

When an Autistic Child goes for a walk with their dogs, they are more likely to introduce themselves, talk about their pets with children along the roads.

Closing Note

Children with Autism develop a sense of connection with their pets that increases their social skills and overall well-being if taken care of responsibly.

But Children who are basically shy and introverted adults also benefit psychologically from having pets. 

Pets increase social connection. Pets like dogs and cats can also help young adults develop friendships and healthy relationships with their opposite genders.