Cats. Undeniably charming animals, self-sufficient and some might say unsociable. However, not so recently, scientists have begun to look at how cats can improve different types of social behaviors, including for individuals with autism. Having a pet, regardless of its type, is very often an enabler of developing strong interpersonal skills, like sharing or empathy.
According to a study run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on kids with autism, children who owned a pet were more likely to develop healthy social behaviors compared to kids who don’t have a pet.
How cats can benefit children with autism
A revolutionary new study conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri has revealed cats make particularly great companions for children with autism—mainly when it comes to improving social skills and anxiety. This research involved children with autism who were given pre-screened for temperament cats, and their impact on children was monitored for the entire length of the project.
The results were positive for improved social behavior.
- Children experienced higher levels of empathy after the adoption of a temperament-screened shelter cat.
- They also reported less separation anxiety, hyperactivity, and bullying.
- Autistic kids developed a strong bond with their cats immediately after adoption.
One social challenge for autistic kids is to understand simple social cues. The responsibility of caring for their cat helps children with autism better understand other people’s emotions. Also, another area where pets and especially cats can help autistic kids, is dealing with stress and anxiety.
Children with autism are prone to experiencing anxiety and petting, playing, or feeding their kitty reduces stress and equips them with better coping skills in situations that could trigger anxiety. Kids with autism can feel isolated sometimes due to the challenging comprehension of social cues. It prevents them from bonding with others, but a kitty can lessen anxiety for kids while experiencing companionship. Loneliness will also have a lower impact on children.
Quality time with a cat deepens the bond, even if the connection is invisible. A cat loves affection and will provide a comfortable medium for kids living with autism. As such, your child will learn how to connect with others after building a solid foundation with a pet through mutual gazes.
Empathy and selflessness are crucial to developing social skills, and a cat can help your child deal with mood changes. By practicing kindness, your child will become more assertive and confident and tackle the world.
Complementary and alternative therapies for reducing autism symptoms
Since there is no medical cure to autism, many parents start to consider complementary and alternative treatments. The majority of these therapies are non-invasive and have a high potential to help reduce autistic symptoms.
However, before starting any of these treatments, it’s recommended to consult your child’s doctor to make sure the therapy is safe for them.
The standard treatment for autism includes:
- Applied behavioral therapy (ABA)
- Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy to improve communication and motor skills
- Medication
Although these standard treatments for autism don’t cure it, they can provide significant benefits—medication can have long and short-term side effects.
That’s why, many parents have started to look for alternative treatments, which have proven to have considerable benefits and decrease symptoms related to autism.
Food suplements
Vitamins, minerals, melatonin, fish oil supplements, or probiotics are often prescribed for children with autism since many of them are picky eaters. By taking food supplements, they can ensure a recommended daily allowance of nutrients necessary for healthy development.
Arts therapies
Arts and creative therapies are treatments that involve art activities within therapy sessions. Although different people will have different experiences with arts therapies, they typically have the potential to:
Help children with autism understand themelves and the world around them better
- Improve communication of thoughts and feelings that autistic kids may have difficulty expressing
- Provide a safe place and time to express without judgement
- Generate fresh perspectives and develop new thinking patterns
- Offer opportunities to connect with other people
“Art therapy allows you to express those feelings that you can't find words to explain. You talk through the image with your therapist and communicate through it, taking the pressure off. The connection with your therapist becomes even stronger.”
Mind-body therapies
Based on the belief that what we think we become, mind-body therapies can help autistic individuals manage and cope with anxiety and stress more efficiently.
Some popular mind-body therapies for children and adults with autism include:
- Yoga
- Mindfulness meditation
- Craniosacral manipulation
- Acupuncture/acupressure
- Reiki
These therapies may have different effects on different people, so it’s important to manage your expectations and understand that what works for some, won’t necessarily help others. Many benefits reported after undergoing mind-body therapies include lower anxiety levels and improved resources to cope with stressful situations.
Sensory therapy
Sensory challenges are very common among people with autism. They often experience difficulties in processing sensory information, being either over- or under-responsive to external sensory stimuli like lights, touch, or sound.
Sensory overload happens when there’s more input from the five senses than the brain can sort through and process. Some symptoms of sensory overload include:
- Hard to focus due to competing sensory input
- Severe irritability
- Restlessness and discomfort
- The urge to cover ears or shield eyes from sensory input
- Anxiety and fear about surroundings
To address these challenges, sensory integration therapy is often used for people with autism. Some therapies contain the use of weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, sensory chewing necklaces, or sensory diets.
Choosing alternative therapies for reducing and managing autistic symtoms is getting more and more popular these days. When selecting a treatments, you should ask these questions first:
- What is the hoped-for positive outcome?
- Are there risks associated with the therapy?
- What do researchers and other trusted sources say about the treatment?
- Can I afford the treatment if it is not paid for by schools or insurance?
After answering these questions, it’s important to also check with your child’s doctor and make an informed decision for your kid’s health.
Pet therapy is a great therapeutic option to reduce symptoms related to autism and improve sociability in autistic children. It doesn't have side effects and can improve the quality of life.
Photo credit: Unsplash.