Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is a neurodivergent condition that can be challenging for children and their families.

However, research shows that dogs can provide emotional and social support for children with ASD. Here are some ways a dog can support a child with autism:.

1. Comfort and emotional support

One of the significant benefits of having a dog for children with autism is emotional support. Dogs have healing powers and are proven to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Touching a dog or petting it can have an instant calming effect and release endorphins that elevate the mood of the child. A furry friend can provide comfort on hard days and can be a source of unconditional love and support.

2. Sensory input

Children with autism often struggle with sensory processing issues and can be either over or under-stimulated by certain stimuli. Dogs can provide sensory input through touch, sight, sound, and smell.

For instance, stroking a dog’s fur can give tactile feedback while listening to a dog’s bark can provide auditory input. Moreover, dogs give consistent and predictable feedback that can be beneficial for children who have difficulty understanding social cues.

Children with ASD often struggle with social interaction, but dogs can provide a bridge to help them engage with others. Dogs can help lower social barriers and encourage children to approach others and initiate conversation.

Also, dogs can act as a common interest among peers, promoting friendships and socialization opportunities.

4. Provides Routine and Structure

Children with autism thrive on routine and structure, and dogs can help establish a daily routine. For instance, a dog needs to be walked, fed, and played, which can help a child develop a structured daily routine.

Moreover, training a dog can provide a sense of predictability and consistency to the child’s day-to-day activities. Dogs can also help teach responsibility and accountability to children, setting them up for success in the future.

5. Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs are trained to provide emotional support to individuals with different needs. They can work in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and many other venues.

Therapy dogs provide comfort, relaxation, and social interaction for children with autism. They undergo rigorous training that includes obedience, interaction with people, and handling different environments. Therapy dogs can be beneficial in many settings, fostering social skills, reducing anxiety, and building confidence.

6. Service Dogs

Service dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities, including those with ASD. These dogs can be trained to help with navigation, mobility, and alert the child and family of safety concerns.

They can also provide sensory support, such as interrupting repetitive behaviors and alerting to specific sounds or stimuli. Service dogs undergo extensive training and are regulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They are highly trained and can be costly, but they can provide a life-changing impact on the life of a child with ASD and their family.

7. Promotes Physical Activity

Physical activity has numerous benefits for children, including those with autism. However, many children with autism may have difficulty developing physical activity habits.

Dogs can help promote physical activity by providing a companion in outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and running. Moreover, playing with a dog can help develop motor skills and coordination while promoting cardiovascular health.

8. Reduces Stereotypic Behaviors

Children with autism may exhibit repetitive behaviors such as flapping, spinning, or tapping. These behaviors are called stereotypic behaviors and can be challenging to reduce or eliminate.

Dogs can help reduce stereotypic behaviors by providing a sensory substitute or interrupter. For example, a child may touch and stroke a dog instead of tapping or flapping. Moreover, having a dog can increase the reinforcement of positive behaviors, which can reduce the occurrence of stereotypic behaviors.

9. Increases Family Bonding

Having a dog can bring a family together, providing opportunities for responsibility and bonding. For children with autism, having a family pet can create an environment of trust and security.

Children can learn about and feel a sense of pride in their pet and their role in caring for the pet’s needs. This can promote family bonding, increase communication, and provide a common topic of interest for all members of the family.

10. Teaches Empathy

Children with autism may struggle with social and emotional understanding, but having a dog can help teach empathy. Caring for a dog can provide opportunities for children to acknowledge the needs and feelings of another being.

Moreover, children can observe and interpret a dog’s nonverbal communication, which can help teach social cues and emotional regulation.