Dogs Can Reduce Stress in Children with Autism
To date, dogs are known as “Human’s best friend.” Not only can be companions for adults, dogs can also be a stress reliever for children with autism.
The team of researchers from the University of Montreal, Canada, found a special training for dogs that can reduce stress-levels in children with autism. The study that was published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, also found, the dog can improve one’s social skills.
Children with autism have difficulty understanding the emotions and feelings of others. By playing with the dogs that have been specially trained to be a way to help children with autism, they do not have difficulties and more understanding the feelings of others. Because the difficulty of communicating with others is often a trigger of stress on them.
“Our findings show dogs have a significant impact in reducing the stress hormones in children with autism,” said Dr. Sonia Lupien, one researcher, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
To detect the levels of stress, Dr. Lupien and colleagues measured hormone kortisil, stressor through saliva (Lius) 42 children with autism. During the study, parents of autistic children were asked to fill out questionnaires about children’s behavior before, during and after playing with the dog. On average, parents reported that there were 33 behavioral problems in children. However, after their children play with the dog problem was reduced to 25.
“Introducing dogs to children with autism are increasingly being conducted and a concern at this time. Until now no studies that measure the psychological impact and our research shows a significant positive impact if children with autism playing with a dog,” said Lupien added.


