Animals' presence may ease social anxiety in kids with autism

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-05/nksn-apm051915.php

Public Release: 20-May-2015
NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Animals' presence may ease social anxiety in kids with autism NIH-funded study could have implications for treatment

When animals are present, children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have lower readings on a device that detects anxiety and other forms of social arousal when interacting with their peers.

According to a study funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, companion animals -- like dogs, cats or the guinea pigs in the study -- may prove to be a helpful addition to treatment programs designed to help children with ASDs improve their social skills and interactions with other people.

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