Previous studies have shown that dogs and other pets play an important role in an individual's social lives, and they can act as catalysts for social interaction. Although much media attention has focused on how dogs can improve the social skills of children with autism, a study by the University of Missouri recently found that children with autism have stronger social skills when any kind of pet lived in the home.

The data of this research revealed that children with any kind of pet in the home reported being more likely to engage in behaviors such as introducing themselves, asking for information or responding to other people’s questions. These kinds of social skills typically are difficult for kids with autism, but this study showed children’s assertiveness was greater if they lived with a pet of any kind.Kids with autism don’t always readily engage with others, but if there’s a pet in the home that the child is bonded with and a visitor starts asking about the pet, the child may be more likely to respond.

Almost 70 percent of the families that participated had dogs, and about half of the families had cats. Other pets owned by participants included fish, farm animals, rodents, rabbits, reptiles, a bird and even one spider. Dogs are good for some kids with autism but might not be the best option for every child.

Kids with autism are highly individual and unique, so some other animals may provide just as much benefit as dogs. Though parents may assume having dogs are best to help their children, the data of this study show greater social skills for children with autism who live in homes with any type of pet.

The study titled “The Social Skills and Attachment to Dogs of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” was published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

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