This is an overview and evaluation of animal-assisted therapy. It goes over what animal-assisted therapy is what is it used for, who it is for, how it applies to autism and whether there is a history of effectiveness for it.

“Animal-assisted therapy most often involves dogs. But it can also involve horses, guinea pigs, cats, ferrets, birds, farm animals and zoo animals.”

According to the Raising Children Network “There’s no evidence that animal-assisted therapy can change the characteristics of autism.” They add, however, that “Some low-quality studies have found that animals might help autistic people develop sensory, social skills and early communication skills. Animals might also help people manage problem behaviour and stress. More high-quality research is needed to find out whether animal-assisted therapy is effective.”