Autism Sensory Support Neurodiverse Children

How Animals Can Benefit Neurodiverse Children

Ella Witherite | January 29, 2025

How Animals Can Benefit Neurodiverse Children

The beneficial effects of animals on neurodiverse children, especially those on the autistic spectrum, have been more well-documented in recent years. The significant role that pets can play in improving these children's lives has been emphasized in numerous studies and expert opinions. Pets provide emotional support, promote social connection, and teach responsibility. With the help of renowned experts in the field, let's investigate the many ways in which children with neurodiversity might benefit from being among animals.

Meet Olive, one of our Canine Good Citizen dogs! At Autism West Behavior Partners, Olive plays a big role in supporting the children. Olive provides comfort and emotional support for kids undergoing therapy. Her presence helps reduce anxiety and stress, making the environment more welcoming and calm. Kids often look forward to their sessions knowing that Olive will be there ready to offer a reassuring nuzzle or a warm cuddle. This not only enhances their overall experience but also aids in their social and emotional development, as interactions with Olive teaches them empathy, patience and the joys of unconditional friendship.

Emotional Comfort and Sensory Support

The emotional support that pets give is one of the first and most noticeable ways in which they help children with neurodiversity. Anxiety and stress are common symptoms among autistic children. Because of their loving, nonjudgmental demeanor, pets can bring their owners immense consolation. A reassuring presence from animals can help these kids feel safer and more at ease in their surroundings, says ABA Solutions. Children with sensory processing disorders may also find comfort in petting a dog or cat, which provides tactile stimulation.

Encouraging Social and Communication Skills

For children with neurodiversity, pets can be a great way to meet new people and practice talking to them. Children who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally may benefit greatly from the opportunity to practice non-verbal communication skills through pet interaction, such as reading signs like purring or wagging tails. According to a blog post on Psychology Today, having a pet around can help kids become more active observers of their environment and better communicators of their own wants and needs, including when to feed the pet or go for a walk.

Teaching Responsibility and Routine

Having pets also gives neurodiverse kids a chance to learn responsibility, which is an enormous positive. Caring for an animal, including feeding and grooming it, can quickly become a regular part of your day. Children will learn responsibility and develop a sense of pride and capability as a result. According to autism.org, taking care of a pet on a regular basis can benefit children with anxiety and poor organizational skills by providing a consistent schedule.

Cognitive and Emotional Development

Pets help with more than just social connection; they can also support emotional and cognitive growth. For neurodiverse kids, learning to care for an animal might help them grasp concepts like cause and effect, such as how going without food can lead to hunger. Plus, having a pet can make it easier to empathize with others. The ability to empathize with and care for an animal teaches kids to put themselves in another person's shoes, an attitude that can carry over into their interactions with others.

Physical Activity and Health

Children with neurological disorders may benefit from having pets, particularly dogs, because they need regular exercise. These kids can benefit from increased physical activity, better motor skills, and overall health if they play and walk often. Incorporating regular exercise into one's routine is important for one's physical and mental health, and playing active games with one's pet can be a great way to get moving and have fun while doing it.

Selecting the Right Pet

While having a pet has many advantages, it's important to pick one that's a good fit for the child, their family, and their lifestyle. While some kids might feel more comfortable with a mellow cat, others could get a rush from a lively dog. Each kind of pet has its own set of benefits, so picking one out for a child should be based on their own tastes and talents.