For families of autistic children, managing emotions and social interactions can be one of the most difficult parts of daily life. A new pilot study suggests that animal-assisted therapy, particularly involving trained dogs, may help children improve emotional regulation and encourage more positive social behaviours. The findings were published in the journal PLOS One.
Researchers from the University of Arkansas and Chung-Ang University in South Korea examined the effects of therapy sessions involving a black Labrador retriever on 13 children aged between 3 and 10. The children were grouped according to whether they were verbal or nonverbal, reflecting the range of communication abilities in autism. Over 2,000 recorded interactions between the children and the dog were analysed to see how they engaged and whether their behaviour changed inside and outside therapy sessions.
The findings show that both verbal and non-verbal children responded well to the presence of the dog, though in different ways. Verbal children tended to communicate with the dog through commands and verbal interaction, while nonverbal children were more likely to show affection through petting and physical closeness. Both groups engaged in play and comfort activities with the animal, suggesting that the therapy could be adapted to suit varying abilities.
Beyond the sessions themselves, improvements in prosocial behaviour and emotional control were noted, particularly in the verbal group. Scores on widely used behavioural assessments showed that children became calmer and displayed fewer emotional outbursts as the weeks went on. Parents also reported that their children seemed less distressed and coped better in everyday situations, such as at home or school.
The researchers highlight that dogs may serve as a unique bridge for children who struggle with human communication. While human faces and speech can sometimes overwhelm autistic children, dogs provide simpler, non-judgemental cues that may encourage children to practise social behaviours in a safe setting. For those unable to afford a dedicated service animal, structured therapy sessions with trained dogs could offer an accessible alternative.
Animal-assisted therapy has been growing in popularity over the last two decades, but the study notes that there are still gaps in understanding how long the benefits last and how they compare with more traditional interventions. The small sample size also means more research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. Future studies will need to follow larger groups of children over longer periods and explore whether improvements continue after the therapy ends.
Still, the results provide cautious optimism for parents and practitioners. The study suggests that the simple act of stroking, playing, or working alongside a therapy dog could help children with autism regulate their emotions and interact more positively with those around them. As awareness of autism continues to rise globally, these findings may support a broader role for animal-assisted therapy in children’s mental health services.
