Unleashing joy: the bond between autistic people and their dogs

Dogs are amazing. Everyone knows it. But for some people, our favorite four-legged friends offer love and affection on a whole different level. For autistic people, dogs can provide practical assistance, safety, and therapy, as well as the pure joy of friendship. Here, we take a closer look at Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and celebrate the ways pooches enrich the lives of people on the autistic spectrum.

What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Over 700,000 people in the U.K. and 5.4 million adults in America have an ASD diagnosis. Yet despite accounting for 1% of the world’s population, autism is still often misunderstood, so let’s start with the facts. 

Autism is a developmental condition which research suggests may be based on genetics. Autistic people think, feel, and at times, act differently to the world around them when compared to ‘neurotypical’ people (i.e. the majority of the population). 

As the word ‘spectrum’ suggests, ASD differs hugely from one person to another. Some autistic people require high levels of support, while others live entirely independently. This said, there are a number of characteristics which people on the spectrum may share to varying degrees. These include: 

• Being particularly sensitive or understimulated by sensory experiences
• Finding everyday social interactions confusing and communication a struggle
• Experiencing a sense of being overwhelmed, which for some people with ASD may lead to ‘meltdowns’ - a period of losing control emotionally and behaviourally, which are particularly common in young people

These factors can make the world a difficult place for autistic people to navigate, as it most suits the needs of neurotypical people. Over 70% of people with ASD report having mental health issues during their lifetimes, such as anxiety or depression, as a result. And while most autistic people would love to be in paid employment, only 22% actually are.

What to do if you think you might have ASD

The neurodiverse organization, Exceptional Individuals, offers a range of tests to help people to explore whether they might be neurodivergent. If you think you might have ASD, you can take their online Autism Test.

How do dogs help autistic people?

We all know the joys of having dogs in our lives. From the excited greetings we get when we come home to the health gains of daily walks. But for autistic people, the benefits go much further. 

Dogs Can Help Autistic Children to Develop Social Skills

Some autistic children struggle to interact with others, which can affect their ability to learn social skills usually picked up by spending time with peers. Dogs can offer creative, alternative ways of learning, for example:

1. Autistic children can learn how to share a space, toys, or other items, simply by playing and caring for their pooch
2. Taking care of a pup requires children to both tune into their dog’s needs and to also make commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ for the pet’s safety. This builds communication skills, whether they be verbal or non-verbal
3. Spending time thinking about the welfare of a beloved pup can also help children with ASD to develop a sense of empathy 

Dogs can help autistic people build self-confidence

We all need a best friend who will be by our side no matter what. Someone to share in the good times and reassure us when things get tough. For many autistic people, there is no companion better suited to this role than their trusted canine. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Dogs need a daily routine to feel safe and happy, so taking care of a pup can create consistency in their pet parent’s life too. This is particularly beneficial to people with ASD, as unclear plans or a lack of structure can be sources of anxiety.
2. Having a routine doesn’t mean our pups don’t want a bit of adventure here and there, however. Whether it’s a planned visit to a new park or a trip to the vet, our pooches can enrich our lives with new experiences. For autistic people, this can increase confidence in visiting unfamiliar places, and build a sense of independence in the process.
3. Wherever you go with a dog by your side, it’s likely people will want to say hello to you and your paw-pal. For people with ASD who find it difficult to engage with others, talking about their dog can be the ideal way to start a conversation. 

Dogs can positively impact the mental health of autistic people

The world often doesn’t make sense to autistic people, making it a daunting place to be. People on the Autistic Spectrum are also more likely to experience stigma and discrimination than the wider population. These factors can lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Yet people with ASD are also less likely to receive adequate mental health support, as these services are primarily designed for neurotypical people. Thankfully, dogs can be incredible therapists in their own right. Here’s how:

1. Research shows that stroking a dog can reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Cuddling up to a pooch can also boost oxytocin and serotonin, hormones associated with love and happiness — a double win
2. Autism Assisted Dogs are trained to sense when their owner is feeling overwhelmed. These amazing pups are then able to provide their owner reassurance through physical affection, refocusing their attention, and calming them down.
3. Assistance Dogs can even help keep their owners safe during a meltdown by protecting them from self-injurious behavior, by placing themselves between their owner and a hard surface, for instance.

Dogs truly are a human’s best friend. But given the many ways pups can support people with ASD, from childhood lessons to building self-confidence and emotional well-being, the bond between autistic people and their beloved pups is perhaps the greatest friendship of all.