Study: Pets Could Help Lower Social Anxiety In Children With Autism
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Pets may help lower social anxiety in children with autism.
Researchers from Purdue University found that when children with autism were exposed to companion animals, their stress levels dropped.
Researchers say the kids may feel more secure since the animals are so accepting.
Dogs, cats and guinea pigs were used in the study, which involved 114 children between five and 12 years old.
And while scientists say the study's findings are promising, they caution parents not to just run out and buy an animal for their child.
"Our study was conducted in a supervised setting, by researchers experienced in working with kids with autism spectrum disorders who understand the needs and requirements of the animals," lead researcher Dr. Marguerite O'Haire said.
The research is published online in the journal Developmental Psychobiology.