Cats help children with autism to increase empathy and decrease anxiety. This is the conclusion reached by an investigation from the University of Missouri (United States). Thus, the team of researchers has analyzed the benefits that companion animals have in families with children with autism.
Although there is much research that emphasizes the benefit of dogs in children with autism, this study has been able to show that cats also help increase empathy. Thus, the findings could have very beneficial implications for families considering adopting a pet.
Cats, good companions for children
“If a family is considering adopting a companion animal, we want to provide the best possible evidence-based information so that they can make an informed decision. In fact, cats may be more beneficial than dogs for some families,” explained Gretchen Carlisle, lead author of the research.
In the study, families with children with autism ages 6 to 14 were contacted through the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. The children were then monitored after adopting a cat at their home. Likewise, the researchers examined the cats’ temperaments to make sure they were calm and a good choice for the family.
In this way, families not only perceived an instant link between the child with autism and the new pet, but also noted that the link was maintained over time and anxiety decreased.
Benefit of pets
“We discovered that the main benefit of cats is their unconditional acceptance by children,” argued the researcher. “Some children with autism may have sensory problems or be sensitive to loud noises, so a cat can be an appropriate and comforting pet for families because of its reassuring presence,” he added.
Helping families make the best decision for their children has motivated this research, as Carliste assures. For this reason, the research also highlights the benefits of interaction between humans and animals.
“I see pets as a way to improve the well-being of children, and it is gratifying to provide assistance to those families in need,” stressed the lead author of the study.
