{"id":891,"date":"2015-01-06T19:41:35","date_gmt":"2015-01-06T19:41:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/naiaonline.org\/blog\/?p=891"},"modified":"2015-01-07T19:00:18","modified_gmt":"2015-01-07T19:00:18","slug":"research-having-pets-improve-social-skills-of-children-with-autism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naiaonline.org\/blog\/animals-and-culture\/research-having-pets-improve-social-skills-of-children-with-autism\/","title":{"rendered":"Research: Having Pets Improve Social Skills of Children with Autism"},"content":{"rendered":"

We knew that pets can help children develop a sense of empathy, teach responsibility, improve literacy, and a whole host of other neat things<\/a>… but how about this:<\/p>\n

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Children with autism who live with pets may be more likely to develop assertiveness and other social skills, according to new research from the University of Missouri<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

That’s right: the unbridled, goofy joy a pet gets from playing with his human isn’t just fun but\u00a0therapeutic<\/em>! Well that’s a pleasant surprise\u00a0— kinda like finding out there are health benefits to chocolate.<\/p>\n

While dogs (in particular, small dogs) were the stars of the research, any type of pet was better than no pet at all — and in some cases more suitable for specific children due to sensitivities or energy level.<\/p>\n

So, not that you needed<\/em> another affirmation on the human animal bond, but it is always good to see another story reminding us of what a truly precious and amazing thing it is!\u00a0Very cool indeed.<\/p>\n

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