Therapy of children with autism with pets & bull; hello healthy

Children with autism usually have impaired social abilities, cannot focus, and lack a sense of empathy and sympathy for others. There are already various therapies that can be applied to help children with autism, one of which is by animal-assisted therapy, namely therapy that involves animals in its therapeutic action. The goal of the therapy is to help people recover from mental disorders, one of which is a child with autism.

Having a pet can turn out to be a good therapy for children with autism. A study conducted on children with autism showed that children who have pets are easier to socialize and interact with new people.

Improve children's physical abilities

Various studies show that most families who have dogs routinely take their pets for a walk out of the house for about 30 minutes a week. This can improve their physical abilities, because without realizing it, by taking the pet for a walk or playing, this encourages them to move actively. In addition, small games played by children with their pets can improve physical abilities, such as improving motor skills, training children's balance.

By doing this regularly, it can also reduce the level of depression in children. Just petting a pet can relax your child's body and increase stress-reducing hormones. Activities with pets can also improve a child's bone health.

Improve mental health of children

Research conducted in 2007, applied therapy Animal-assisted Therapy which shows that there is an increase in verbal interaction, focus, self-confidence, and relieving feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress in children with autism. Having regular activities with pets makes children learn to manage emotions, such as just looking at pet fish from outside the aquarium, enough to make children relieve stress and win themselves over. Indirectly, children are responsible for caring for, providing food and attention to these pets. This of course can increase his sense of responsibility. Taking care of a pet is a way to develop compassion, care, and concern for others.

Increase social interaction

Pets make children dare to start new relationships, increasing the desire to join the group. In addition, it is also known from the study that children who have pets are better at introducing themselves to others, providing better information, and giving more responses when invited to interact. The relationship that occurs between children and pets can foster a sense of empathy and sympathy for children.

Increase the child's immunity

Children who grow up in families who have pets are proven to have a better immune system than families who do not have pets. This is stated in several studies which state that pets can help "employers" avoid allergies. Other studies have also stated that children who live and grow with a cat or dog around have less heat and asthma. This also occurred in a study conducted at the University of Wisconsin, where children who interacted with cats often had strong levels of immunity and avoided chronic respiratory problems.

Increase insight

Interacting with pets can also help children to improve and broaden their horizons, such as about size, color. Research has been conducted on school-age children and shows that children often read books in front of their pets and this can help children to improve their reading skills. In addition, it can develop non-verbal communication skills, Intelligent Quotient , and emotional intelligence.