Animal Companions and Autistic Mental Health

They say that dogs are man’s best friend. While the jury is out on how this came to be, there is no denying the unique benefits of earning an animal’s friendship. With their hilarious antics, characteristic loyalty and wagging tails, dogs are a common choice of therapy animal for people in the U.S. For many of us living with poor mental health, animal companionship is a powerful medicine.

In their virtual presentation, (which you can watch here on the Autism Research Institute website) Doctor Gray Atherton (Ph.D) discusses the effect of Animal Therapy for Autistic people. Atherton says;

Pets can be an important part of autistic people’s social development…having a pet [corresponds with better wellbeing in autistic people, particularly…with positive mental health.¹

Behind this abundance of benefits, it seems, is some profound brain chemistry. Atherton speaks of “Serotonin loops” between humans and dogs.² Their research suggests a mutual rise in blood serotonin levels when dogs and humans exchange eye contact. Serotonin (the “happy” hormone³) has been shown to reduce feeling of anxiety and sadness; maladies that are all too common in the Autistic population.

Clearly the solution is to give every autistic person a dog, right? Not quite. Gray’s research shows not only that dog ownership is impractical for some, but that alternative pets can be as (if not more) effective. “Cats, reptiles and fish” seem popular pet choices for Autistic people.⁴

“Be realistic about the barriers to pet ownership” Atherton says.⁵ The sad truth is that pet ownership is a luxury many cannot afford. Research suggest that neurodiverse people often live with financial and social instability; Pets come with financial and emotional costs. They also need your time. Not everyone is lucky enough to have the mental and physical health, time, and lifestyle they need to care for an animal.

Doctor Atherton shares their ideas for alternative paths to animal therapy; dog shares, voluntary work in animal shelters, etc.⁶ They also mention that some public services and charities provide support animals. Trouble is, to qualify for such support, many organisations require a diagnosis, excluding undiagnosed autists from this enrichment.

As with other neurodiverse concerns, micro-accommodations might change the game. Micro-accommodations are small, simple adjustments society can make for neurodiverse needs. For example, schools, colleges, businesses, and social care providers could ‘employ’ a support animal. Schools must allow all students access to their resident fluffy, feathery, or scaly mentor (if the safety of all parties is assured). Build pet friendly areas-in public and private-so more people can bring their animal to crowded spaces, and benefit from the ensuing social interaction.

Sometimes it is neither fair nor practical to permit pets (for example, in hospitals or care homes). These settings could make use of local wildlife. Hang bird feeders in hospital courtyards; neurotypical and diverse folks alike will enjoy the distraction from the noise and incessant change that a flock of feeding finches can provide.

Visit the park; spot the squirrels and the deer among the trees. Go to the lake with a bag of oats to enjoy the gratitude of the Canada geese that live there. You might find they recognise you on subsequent visits and swim over to eat the crumbs you throw. Or, just feed the pigeons on your balcony. Just like that, you form a mutually beneficial relationship with nature.

Animals are there for you, if you (respectfully) seek their company, and gain their trust. Because they do not ask us for sparkling wit, adaptability, conversation, or social prowess. For animals, love (and just a little bit of food) really is enough.

¹ Atherton, Gray (PhD) Presentation: "They ask no questions and pass no criticism: A mixed-methods study exploring pet ownership in autism."

² Atherton, Gray. Ibid.

³ Serotonin is the happy hormone.

⁴ Atherton, Gray. Ibid.

⁵ Atherton, Gray. Ibid.

⁶ Atherton, Gray. Ibid.