Why Do Children with Autism Love Dogs?

Dogs have rightfully earned the title of “man’s best friend.” They are not only known for their loyalty and intelligence but also play an important therapeutic role. One such method is canine-assisted therapy (canistherapy), which helps individuals develop communication skills, improve motor function, learn to speak and play, and manage emotions and behavior through sessions involving dogs.

Children with autism often feel a special bond with dogs, which can be explained by several psychological and neurobiological factors.

1. Predictable and Simple Communication

Interacting with dogs doesn’t require complex verbal or social skills or the ability to interpret subtle cues. This simplicity reduces stress for those who struggle to understand human emotions or tone of voice. Dog behavior is more straightforward and easier to interpret, providing a sense of safety and ease.

2. Emotional Support

Dogs offer unconditional affection and acceptance, which is invaluable for individuals who are sensitive to criticism or social rejection. Their nonjudgmental nature helps autistic individuals feel accepted just as they are, strengthening emotional bonds and reducing anxiety.

3. Sensory Benefits

• Tactile contact, like petting a dog’s soft fur, can have a calming effect and help regulate sensory overload.
• However, individual sensitivities must be considered. Some autistic individuals may be hypersensitive to loud barking or the texture of fur.

4. Routine and Structure

Taking care of a dog—feeding, walking, grooming—usually follows a consistent schedule. This supports the development of a clear daily routine, which is crucial for those who value predictability. Caring for a pet also fosters a sense of responsibility and control. Additionally, trained dogs behave in a more predictable and stable manner, which further reduces anxiety.

5. Social Facilitation

Dogs can serve as “social bridges” that ease interactions between autistic individuals and others. Walking a dog or visiting parks creates natural opportunities for casual conversation. Dogs can also help develop basic social skills: to give commands or bond with a dog, one must establish eye contact and use simple gestures, which in turn can build confidence for broader human interactions. Starting with interpreting a dog’s nonverbal signals, many autistic individuals gradually become more comfortable understanding human ones as well.

Studies confirm that animals, especially dogs, help reduce stress and improve social functioning. Dr. Temple Grandin, a well-known autistic author and scientist, has noted that interacting with animals greatly contributes to emotional stability. Dogs help calm anxiety attacks or emotional meltdowns, alert their owners to rising stress levels, and can even distract from self-harming behaviors. This kind of support enhances quality of life and deepens the emotional bond between human and animal.

A Deeper Solution: Beyond Emotional Support

While dogs play a beneficial role both in therapy and everyday life, their impact could be even greater if autism and its symptoms no longer affected their owners. Cellular therapy offers a high-tech, safe, and natural method to address the root of the condition itself—far more effectively than traditional interventions.

This approach involves stem cell transplantation, where undifferentiated cells capable of transforming into any other cell type are introduced into the body. These healthy cells replace damaged ones that impair how the brain and nervous system process external information. The results can be seen soon after the procedure: cognitive function stabilizes, developmental progress accelerates, and symptoms of autism significantly decrease or completely disappear. These effects are often long-lasting or even permanent, increasing the effectiveness of other therapeutic measures.

Cellular therapy has earned wide recognition and could become the main strategy in treating autism spectrum disorders. Today, it is practiced at leading clinics worldwide, including the Mardaleishvili Medical Center, where highly qualified specialists with extensive successful experience use state-of-the-art equipment to achieve top-tier therapeutic outcomes. The quality of treatment meets the highest international standards, and the cost is lower than in many other developed countries. Another major benefit is the center’s comprehensive support—staff assist with everything from travel planning to accommodation during rehabilitation.

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