Ever heard of therapy that includes dogs, horses—or even dolphins? It’s called animal-assisted therapy, and it’s making waves in the mental health world, especially for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
ASD affects about 1 in 36 kids, and getting support early on can make a huge difference. That’s where our furry (or finned) friends come in. This type of therapy uses animals to help improve emotional, social, and even physical skills. There are different types—some involve trained service animals, others include interactive therapy with animals in structured programs.
A new research paper offers a big-picture look at how animal-assisted therapy is being used to support children with autism. While it’s not a deep-dive review, it highlights key benefits reported across studies—like boosts in social interaction, better emotional regulation, improved behavior, and even quality of life.
For healthcare pros working with families, the message is clear: animal-assisted therapy could be a great option to explore. And for those of us interested in psychology, health, or just love animals—it’s an inspiring example of how connection and compassion go beyond words.
