A pet, not just a dog, can help autistic children improve social interaction.
This is what emerges from a research from the University of Missouri, in the USA, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
The scholars analyzed 70 families with autistic children between the ages of 8 and 18: almost 70% had a dog and the results of the research showed that with its presence the interaction of children improved significantly.
But it was found that progress in socialization was also taking place with other pets, such as the cat, an added member of half of the families, fish, rabbits, reptiles and birds. "Dogs are great for some children with autism, but they may not be the best option for everyone," says Gretchen Carlisle, author of the research.
"We found that some children with autism were able to establish a strong bond with other pets, such as rabbits and cats, proof that not only the dog is able to benefit those suffering from this pathology" he concludes.
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TAG:
- autism
- autism and pets
- autism and children
- 3-5 children years
