Dogs Reduce Stress in Autistic Children

A recent study from researchers at the Universite de Montreal has shown a reduction in stress as well as significant behavioral improvements in children with Autism Syndrome Disorders (ASDs) when they spent time with service dogs. The findings of their research were published in the “Psychoneruoendocrinology” journal last month.

Sonia Lupien served as the senior researcher on the team at the University’s Psychiatry Department. She is also the Director at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress, at the Louis-H Lafontaine Hospital in Montreal, Quebec. After watching the children interact with the dogs and then analyzing the data, Lupien stated that in all her years of experience working with patients she had never witnessed such a dramatic improvement.

Fourty-two children with varying degrees of ASDs participated in the study. Researchers monitored the children’s level of stress by regularly measuring the amount of cortisol in their saliva. Cortisol is a hormone that the body produces when it is under stress and is easily gauged by taking saliva samples. The researchers tested the participants’ cortisol levels before the dogs were introduced, during the time they were interacting together, and then again after the dog was taken away.

Parents were also asked to complete questionnaires during each phase about their children’s behaviour. On average, the children displayed a 25% reduction in negative behaviours when they were interacting with the specially trained service dogs.

The behaviour was then linked to their cortisol levels. When the dogs were present and the behaviour of the children improved their level of stress was also reduced. This is the first scientific study that has measured the physiological impact of service dogs working with Autistic children. This is not, however, the first study that links a physiological improvement in healthy children when interacting with dogs. These types of studies have been substantiated for decades.

A great way to encourage your children and dog to interact is by having a fun selection of dog toys available. Among the latest additions to our range of dog toys are the Kong Wubba Friends. Both kids and dogs will love playing with Kong Wubba Friends because they include both a cuddly stuffed animal and a strong Kong tennis ball with a squeaker inside. Playing together will reap healthy benefits for both your children and your dog!

Posted 22nd November 2010

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