Scientific evidence shows that owning a pet can be good for your mental health. For autistic people, having an animal such as an autism service dog can go even further. It can support you in public spaces, help with relaxation and anxiety, and even empower some people to live alone for the first time.
What is an autism service dog?
Also sometimes called an autism assistance dog, these skilled working dogs support autistic people and their families. They are specially trained to help keep their handler safe and to provide support and comfort. They have been shown to improve stress levels, help promote healthy sleep, reduce autistic overwhelm, and improve social skills.
Social contact
Statistically speaking, pet owners talk to more people. This is partly because pets provide good talking points: they give us attention, they do funny things, and they structure our day. Many households have a pet, so the likelihood is, if you talk to someone about your pet, you will share a common interest.
Research also shows that walking a dog significantly increases opportunities to have conversations with other people if you choose to. If you like social contact, this chance to talk to other people regularly can be a factor in maintaining both physical and mental health, and takes away from the awkwardness of finding something to talk about. Of course, you don’t have to chat to strangers if you don’t want to though.
Comfort and companionship
Domestic animals are widely regarded as loyal and affectionate companions. They provide a familiar and reliable presence and have an important role to play in combatting loneliness. Having a pet or service dog may be particularly beneficial to those with quieter social schedules, such as those who are unemployed or live alone. Importantly, they also provide a buffer against stress – simply having a pet close by has been shown to reduce our reaction to anxiety-provoking events.
Purpose and structure
Domestic animals need looking after. When you keep an animal, their welfare becomes your responsibility. Evidence suggests that this can be every bit as rewarding as it is challenging. Pets give their owners a reason to get out of bed, go to a shop, or exercise. Research shows that pet owners are healthier and more motivated to recover after illness than non-pet owners. Caring for an animal can also help with structuring your day. You can build a routine around feeding times and walks, and this can help create a sense of consistency and control.
Feeling accepted
20th-century psychologist Carl Rogers famously talked about ‘unconditional positive regard’ as a fundamental human need. Animal behaviour expert Dr Deborah Wells says that dogs offer this in abundance, with positive effects on our self-concept. Animals do not argue or bear grudges, and they do not judge us on our skills or performance in the world. To many, their pet is their closest confidant with whom they can disclose their most closeted thoughts and feelings. Pets provide a relationship we can rely on at the most difficult of times – one in which we can be entirely ourselves without fear of judgement.
Self-care
We want what’s best for our pet and are usually happy to take advice on how best to look after it. For instance, we learn how to care for and feed our pet properly. Likewise, when our animals are unwell, we often go to great lengths to rehabilitate them, closely following advice from the vet. By recognising the importance of exercise, diet and medication in looking after our animal, we can better learn to understand and look after our own health and wellbeing needs.
More information
If you are interested in finding out more about autism service dogs, the links below will take you to websites of different charities and organisations where you can learn more about it, and even apply for an assistance dog yourself:
