Guest post by Kadin McElwain
At home, I have two dogs and two cats – companions who have become some of my closest friends.
Initially, I was sceptical about how spending time with animals could improve my social skills as an autistic adult with lower support needs.
After just a fortnight of interacting with them daily, I noticed a remarkable change. I felt more at ease with social engagement and even took the step of joining online groups for autistic individuals – something I would never have considered before.
But why does interacting with animals help autistic people build social skills? Research suggests that there are several key factors at play.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Animal Companionship
A wealth of research supports the idea that interacting with animals can enhance mental well-being, particularly for individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. Studies indicate that animal-assisted therapy can reduce anxiety, lower stress levels, and improve emotional regulation – areas that many autistic individuals find challenging.
For me, this benefit became clear when my three siblings experienced a traumatic event at school. In response, therapy dogs were brought in the next day to provide emotional support. The impact was immediate – students, including my siblings, felt significantly calmer. In much the same way, having pets at home has provided me with a consistent source of comfort and stability. When overwhelmed, my dogs’ presence alone helps me self-regulate, which makes social interactions less difficult.
Developing Responsibility and Routine
Another key aspect of pet ownership is the development of responsibility, which many autistic adults may have a hard time with due to demand avoidance mechanisms and overwhelm. Many of us struggle with executive functioning tasks, such as maintaining routines or remembering daily responsibilities. A pet, however, necessitates structure: they need feeding, exercise, and care at regular intervals. This external motivation encourages routine-building, which can, in turn, improve time management and self-discipline in other areas of life.
For autistic adults who find structured social engagements overwhelming, having a pet can provide a stepping stone towards greater independence. Caring for an animal creates confidence in our ability to manage responsibilities, which can translate into feeling more capable in social settings.
Enhancing Social Skills Through Interaction
Perhaps the most compelling reason pets benefit autistic individuals is their role in social skill development. Research has shown that individuals on the autism spectrum often feel more comfortable engaging with animals than humans. Unlike people, animals do not judge, misinterpret tone, or impose social expectations. This makes them ideal companions for practising non-verbal communication, emotional expression, and reciprocal interaction.
Many autistic individuals, including myself, experience a fear of rejection in social situations. Interacting with pets, however, provides a safe space to build confidence in social reciprocity. Engaging in playful activities, observing their body language, and responding to their needs all reinforce social skills that can be applied to human relationships.
Having a pet can act as a social bridge. Walking a dog in the park, discussing pet care with others, or sharing pet-related experiences online can create opportunities for low-pressure social interactions. In my case, my increased comfort with socialising started with my pets and eventually extended to participating in online groups.
A Lifelong Companion for Individuals that Crave Stability
Making and maintaining friendships can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals. Anxiety surrounding rejection or misunderstanding can make socialising seem more stressful than rewarding. Introducing an animal companion into one’s life can provide a sense of emotional security, and promote responsibility, and essential social skills in a natural and stress-free manner.
Just as my dogs have done for me, a pet can become a lifelong friend, a source of comfort, and, perhaps most importantly, a bridge to meaningful human connections.
