This article,
written by Maia Szalavitz,
discusses the theory that autistic children who have pets can learn to interact
socially better than those without pets.
The idea, which has been scientifically studied, states that autistic
children that have a new pet introduced in their family are able to learn about
comforting others and caring for them.
Though studied, it was very small and the results are unsure. Even so, the aftermath of says that it is
possible. The article starts by saying
that children affected by autism feel, sometimes, a closer relation with
animals than with humans. It goes on
from there and brings up research, done by French researchers, on 40 autistic
children. The article keeps talking
about research done on this situation and talks about different results and
elements presented during the tests. The
article does state that these tests were not controlled, but the changes in
behavior seen in children show that it is helpful.
This article was obviously written for people who are searching for answers concerning autism. Not necessarily for the parents of autistic
children; this article can help a grandparent, teacher, or doctor who wants to
help an autistic child. In the end of
the article, it closes with a paragraph stating that having an animal to love
and connect with can help to reduce stress or lift one’s spirits.
Though touching, the article is not extremely impressive, due
to lack of quotes or time speaking with someone who knows more about the issue
than the author. It is, though, nice and
uses good evidence to support its main idea.
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