There has been an expanding body of literature regarding the advantages of assistance dogs for children with autism; however, less is known about potential therapeutic advantages offered by pet (rather than assistance) dogs to these families.

This research project set out to devise and validate items to measure the impact of dog ownership on family members. From this data emerged various themes:

1. Increased Self-Esteem

Researchers conducting qualitative studies with parents of autistic children have reported that having a dog as part of the family improves family functioning36, parental stress37, child social skills38 and confidence in physical activities39. Furthermore, interviews conducted with autistic adults who own dogs suggest this can positively impact their self-esteem40.

Most often reported as positive impacts of owning a dog were interactions between owner and dog (e.g. cuddling, walking or being greeted by them) while routine activities (such as feeding the pet) had less of an effect. Well-being improvements associated with dogs included feeling affection and accomplishment fulfillment from being an owner; worsening of well-being was often related to unwanted behavior or situations, poor health/death as well as obligations regarding them.

Love122 reported that pet ownership is a protective factor against suicidal thoughts and behavior among autistic suicide attempters, likely due to providing comfort, distraction and sense of obligation that many autistic people find when caring for a dog.

2. Improved Social Skills

Dogs provide autistic children with an engaging form of constant attention that enhances their social interactions and builds their confidence, while their presence provides comforting reassurance in stressful environments.

Studies on participants who own pets revealed increased self-esteem and social skills. Nearly all participants reported their dogs enhanced quality of life, and that they were extremely satisfied with their decision to acquire one as pets. It didn’t matter which animal it was; dogs, cats, rats or fish all improved mental health as well as quality of life for participants.

Close interactions between dog-owners and their animal were essential in terms of moods/emotions and life functioning, while routine-like activities played a pivotal role in improving overall eudaimonic well-being. Unfortunately, unwanted behaviour or situations triggered by animals, and not having sufficient control over them caused significant decreases in emotional and life satisfaction – suggesting targeted support programs need to be implemented for these high-risk groups.

3. Reduced Anxiety

Animals provide comfort during times of high stress, helping reduce the number and duration of meltdowns. According to one study, children with autism who own pets were less likely to feel anxious and depressed compared to those without one.

Participants in a qualitative study who experienced suicidal thoughts reported that their dogs provided comfort, distracted from these thoughts, and gave them reason to live (via affection from their pets and obligation to take care of them).

Close dog-owner interactions (e.g., tactile interactions, the dog’s presence, and walking with the dog) were consistently reported as activities which improved emotions/moods and life functioning of both autistic adults and neurotypical adults42. This may be attributed to increased levels of oxytocin, dopamine, endorphins and prolactin while reduced cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine associated with such interactions; any negative impacts were most often tied with unwanted behavior problems/health/death of dogs as well as obligations towards these interactions.

4. Reduced Stress

Physical benefits of dog ownership include decreased levels of stress hormones – cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. This may be attributed to the calming presence of dogs’ presence; positive emotional feedback from their pets; and pet owner engagement on an intimate level with their furry companion.

Participants also reported that having a pet helped reduce the frequency and length of meltdowns they experienced, while feeling more empowered to leave home with their child attached to their canine friend and explore the world together.

As was observed among neurotypical dog owners, autistic adult interviews produced a comprehensive framework of activities and outcomes related to dog ownership that contributed positively to well-being outcomes. Close interactions (e.g. tactile interactions, cuddling dogs close, walking the animal or being welcomed by it) were the most commonly cited activities improving emotions/moods and life functioning; caring for one was associated with self-esteem and sense of purpose while unwanted behaviours/situations caused by dog ownership negatively impacted hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing negatively impacting outcomes negatively both ways.https://www.youtube.com/embed/PuAes1Q-6Bs