BENEFITS OF DOG THERAPY FOR CHILDREN/TEENS WITH AUTISM

Being on the autism spectrum can be very difficult for both children and parents. Because their perspective on the world is different, it can often lead to frustration. Thankfully, there have been multiple studies that suggest that using dog therapy might be able to help people with autism. Let’s take a closer look at some of these findings. 

First, dog therapy might also encourage people with autism to try experiencing new things. Often, people with autism live very structured lives, following set routines. If these routines are disrupted, they can get very panicked and anxious. Having dog therapy can help them overcome this fear. It can also help them to get used to social situations. For example, they can play games with the dog; this can teach them the value of taking turns and show the importance of sharing. These lessons can be more relaxed with a dog, as the pet doesn’t mind if they lose the game. Also, maintaining relationships with dogs is much simpler than creating a relationship with a human. 

Dogs might also be able to help people with autism engage more freely with the world. For example, roadways can often be a source of anxiety. Sometimes, people with autism don’t have much road awareness, which can lead to them trying to cross at the wrong times. Through positive reinforcement at dog training, you can teach the pet the right time to cross the road; this will ensure that people with autism are safe around roadways. Besides, many people with autism find the presence of a dog calming; this is especially important in a big city, like Los Angeles. They can reach for the dog whenever they require support, which can help reduce the number of panic attacks they experience. 

Finally, dog therapy can have significant benefits for the whole family. People with autism will be able to use the dog for sensory support, helping them reduce anxiety; this can make it easier for parents to take them on trips to new locations. When accompanied by a therapy dog, these trips can go smoother, allowing parents and children to spend quality time together. Also, studies have shown that dog therapy may also help reduce parental stress. It can also be heartwarming to watch the bond that the dog and the autistic person share grow. 

Raising a teenager or child with autism can be very stressful. Often, they will have set routines, from which they will struggle to deviate. As we discussed, you can use a therapy dog to help them cope with changes; this can have multiple benefits for both parent and child. Training the dog, using positive reinforcement, can often be one of the hardest parts of this process. Thankfully, LA Dog Experts have a skilled team who can help you do this. So, if you are in the Calabasas area, contact us today to find out how we can help you train your autistic support dog.