Any Kind of Pet Can Strengthen The Social Skills of a Child With Autism

When it comes to supporting children with autism, therapy, specialized education, and structured routines often take center stage.

But what if the simplest and most effective intervention could be something as common as a pet?

Research suggests that children with autism develop better social skills when they live with animals—even beyond the traditional companionship of dogs and cats.

And here’s the surprising part: it doesn’t have to be a furry, four-legged friend.

Even a pet fish, bird, or yes, even a spider, can have a significant impact on how a child with autism connects with the world around them.

How Pets Boost Social Engagement

A groundbreaking study conducted by the Research Centre for Human-Animal Interaction (ReCHAI) at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine examined the effects of pet ownership on children with autism.

The study surveyed 70 families with autistic children and found a clear pattern: children who had pets were more likely to engage in social behaviors, such as introducing themselves, asking questions, and responding to others.

These seemingly simple interactions can be a struggle for autistic children, making the impact of pets all the more valuable.

According to researcher Gretchen Carlisle, who led the study, the presence of an animal acts as a social lubricant, fostering natural conversations and connections.

Think about it—how often have you been at a party or gathering where a pet became the focal point of interaction?

Strangers exchange smiles over a playful puppy or a curious cat.

The same effect applies to children with autism.

A pet offers an instant conversation starter, a shared interest, and a reason to engage with others.

Challenging the ‘Only Dogs Help’ Assumption

Many people assume that therapy dogs or emotional support animals are the best choice for children with autism.

While dogs are indeed beneficial, Carlisle’s research challenges this common assumption—it turns out that any pet can help improve social skills.

Her study found that while children with dogs had greater overall social skills, the most significant finding was that children with any pet demonstrated higher levels of assertiveness—a key skill for social interaction.

Some kids formed strong bonds with cats, others with rabbits, reptiles, birds, or fish. One child even had a pet spider and reported feeling a deep connection with it.

These findings highlight an important reality: autistic children, like all children, have unique preferences and personalities.

A dog might not be the best fit for every child, but a smaller pet, like a hamster or a parrot, could provide just as much companionship and social stimulation.

The Science Behind the Connection

Carlisle’s study, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, measured social skills using a standardized assessment called the Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scale.

This tool evaluates children on critical abilities, including:

Communication skills
Cooperation
Assertiveness
Responsibility
Empathy
Self-control

Across the board, children with pets scored higher in these areas than those without.

Additionally, the longer a family had owned a pet, the stronger the child’s social skills tended to be.

Another intriguing discovery: children who received pets at a younger age formed stronger attachments than those who got a pet later in life.

This suggests that early exposure to animals may enhance long-term social development.

Why Smaller Pets Might Be Better for Some Kids

While service dogs are often seen as the gold standard for therapy animals, Carlisle’s study found that children with autism formed the strongest bonds with smaller dogs and other small pets.

This could be due to the less overwhelming presence of a smaller animal, as some autistic children may be sensitive to the size, energy, or unpredictability of larger dogs.

The takeaway? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Parents should consider their child’s specific needs, sensitivities, and preferences when choosing a pet.

The Growing Popularity of Pets in Autism Households

Interestingly, while 66% of U.S. households own pets, the number was significantly higher among families of autistic children in Carlisle’s study—81% had a pet.

This suggests that many parents of autistic children have already recognized the benefits of animal companionship, even before research confirmed it.

While this study offers promising insights, researchers emphasize that larger studies with diverse populations will be valuable in confirming these findings.

Should You Get a Pet for Your Autistic Child?

If you’re a parent considering getting a pet for your child with autism, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Consider your child’s preferences and sensitivities – Some kids love the tactile experience of petting a furry animal, while others may prefer watching a fish swim.
Start with a smaller, manageable pet – Not every child will feel comfortable with a dog. A guinea pig, cat, or even a turtle could be a good alternative.
Think about long-term commitment – Pets require time, resources, and care. Make sure you choose an animal that fits your family’s lifestyle.
Observe the interaction – Once you bring a pet home, watch how your child responds. Some children might need time to warm up, while others may form an instant connection.

As Carlisle puts it: “Dogs are good for some kids with autism but might not be the best option for every child.

Though parents may assume dogs are best, my data show greater social skills for children with autism who live in homes with any type of pet.”

The bottom line? A pet can be a powerful tool for social development in children with autism—whether it barks, purrs, chirps, or even crawls.

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