Does Pet Arrival Trigger Prosocial Behaviors in Individuals with Autism?

Abstract

Alteration of social interactions especially prosocial behaviors – an important aspect of development – is one of the characteristics of autistic disorders. Numerous strategies or therapies are used to improve communication skills or at least to reduce social impairments. Animal-assisted therapies are used widely but their relevant benefits have never been scientifically evaluated. In the present study, we evaluated the association between the presence or the arrival of pets in families with an individual with autism and the changes in his or her prosocial behaviors. Of 260 individuals with autism - on the basis of presence or absence of pets - two groups of 12 individuals and two groups of 8 individuals were assigned to: study 1 (pet arrival after age of 5 versus no pet) and study 2 (pet versus no pet), respectively. Evaluation of social impairment was assessed at two time periods using the 36-items ADI-R algorithm and a parental questionnaire about their child-pet relationships. The results showed that 2 of the 36 items changed positively between the age of 4 to 5 (t0) and time of assessment (t1) in the pet arrival group (study 1): “offering to share” and “offering comfort”. Interestingly, these two items reflect prosocial behaviors. There seemed to be no significant changes in any item for the three other groups. The interactions between individuals with autism and their pets were more – qualitatively and quantitatively - reported in the situation of pet arrival than pet presence since birth. These findings open further lines of research on the impact of pet’s presence or arrival in families with an individual with autism. Given the potential ability of individuals with autism to develop prosocial behaviors, related studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved in the development of such child-pet relationship.

Interest towards human, animal and object in children with autism spectrum disorders: an ethological approach at home

“…This questionnaire was previously developed and used [25,28]. Parents were asked about their pet ownership (i.e.…”

Review of current evidence and future directions in animal-assisted intervention for children with autism

“…The provision of service animals for autism may provide similar benefits, with parent-reported outcomes including increased safety, independence and socio-emotional functioning 32,33 , and corroborating parent-report and physiological data may indicate decreases in stress 34 . Increases in prosocial behaviours may also be elicited by companion animals 37 . However, despite predominantly positive outcomes, the current literature is limited by small sample sizes, few controls and often non-blind observation and informant reports.…”

“…Only one study to date has empirically evaluated the introduction of a companion animal into the home for children with autism. Findings indicated that pet arrival triggered increased prosocial behaviour 37 . However, despite promising findings in this study, companion animals should not be interpreted as substitutes for AAI or as certified service animals for autism.…”

Pet Dogs Improve Family Functioning and Reduce Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Many of these benefits may not be related to the specific training that these assistance animals receive, but rather are incidental results of the dog being present. Indeed, Grandgeorge et al (2012) report an increase in pro-social behaviors in children with autism upon acquisition of a pet dog. Parental reports suggest that the presence of an assistance dog in the home results in reduced child anxiety, and this is supported by decreases in cortisol awakening responses in these children following placement of the dog, which increase again following removal of the animal (Viau et al 2010).…”

“…These wider positive effects on the whole family could potentially lead to better overall family functioning, which could positively impact upon behavioral problems. In point of fact, pets provide a pivotal role in family functioning (Walsh 2009), providing an attachment source which may help bring the family members together (Cain 1983;Kurdek 2008;Grandgeorge et al 2012) and reduce stress and promote interaction between members of the family group (Allen and Blascovich 1996).…”