Study: Dogs Help Autistic Children Improve Emotional Control, Social Behaviour
A joint study by the University of Copenhagen and the University of Verona has found promising results for animal-assisted therapy in helping autistic children. The research suggests that interacting with trained dogs can improve emotional control and prosocial behaviour, particularly in verbal autistic children. Both verbal and non-verbal autistic children engaged positively with therapy dogs during the study. Verbal children communicated through commands and conversation, while non-verbal children showed affection through petting and closeness. Parents reported reduced distress and improved coping in their children post-sessions. The study found improvements in emotional control and prosocial behaviour, especially in the verbal group, over time. Dogs may serve as a unique bridge for autistic children, providing simpler, non-judgemental cues that encourage social behaviour practice in a safe setting. However, more research is needed with larger groups over longer periods to confirm these findings and explore long-term effects. The study suggests that animal-assisted therapy, particularly involving trained dogs, may help autistic children improve emotional regulation and encourage more positive social behaviours. While the results are promising, further research is required to fully understand the extent and longevity of these benefits compared to traditional interventions.
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