Animal-assisted therapy

In animal-assisted therapy, a trained therapist uses animals as part of a therapy plan. For example, the therapist might use a therapy dog or other pets or wild animals to help a child learn communication skills. The therapy might involve encouraging the child to talk to the dog or touch it. Animal-assisted therapy can be used for people with a wide range of medical, developmental and emotional needs, including autistic people.

Supporters of animal-assisted therapy say it can help autistic children learn empathy, communication and social skills. There’s no evidence that animal-assisted therapy can change the characteristics of autism.

Animal-assisted therapy comes from studies of human-animal interaction and human-animal bonding. This field looks at the relationship between animals and humans. The theory is that animals are a source of calming, non-judgmental support and can help with communication and social interaction. Some low-quality studies have found that animals might help autistic people develop sensory, social skills and early communication skills. Animals might also help people manage their behaviour and stress. More high-quality research is needed to find out whether animal-assisted therapy is effective.

Animal-assisted therapy usually involves a series of sessions with a therapist and an animal. Children can do the sessions at home or school or in a clinic. They can do the sessions in a group or individually.