Pet dogs may help children with autism

Friday, 22 October 2010 13:13

A new study has indicated that specially trained pet dogs can be beneficial to the emotional and mental health of children with autism syndrome disorders (ASDs).

Work undertaken at the University of Montreal measured the incidence of cortisol awakening response (CAR) present in the saliva of 42 youngsters with ASDs. This is a hormone produced by the body in relation to stress and was monitored regularly, while the children were each introduced to a canine taught to respond to them.

The parents of the little ones were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding their offspring's emotional behaviour before, during and after the study, and, together with the other results, scientists collated a paper that states the pooches helped minimise emotional distress in their new masters.

"Until now, no study has measured the physiological impact. Our results lend support to the potential behavioural benefits of service dogs for autistic children," Sonia Lupien, senior researcher and a professor at the university's Department of Psychiatry and director of the Centre for Studies on Human Stress at Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital, said.

People with autism are often thought to be affected positively by the presence of animals and many different creatures - including horses - are used in therapy.

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Posted by Mike