Children with autism more relaxed and happier when spending time with a dog

The lack of routine and school closures over continued periods of lockdown is having a sizable impact on families across the UK, with 60% of parents concerned that their child is suffering from a hindrance in their learning. The impact is more pronounced amongst parents of autistic children, with 70% noticing this setback. One in four (25%) express concerns and say it will take over a year for their child to make up for lost time.

New research from assistance dogs charity, Dogs for Good, and pet insurer, MORE THAN, found that the past year has been particularly disruptive for autistic children’s learning development and mental wellbeing. Almost three quarters (71%) of parents with an autistic child feel their child’s confidence has been knocked due to lockdown, while 74% say their child has felt more anxious over the lockdown period than ever before. Less than half (48%) of all parents are experiencing similar feelings amongst their children.

This National Autism Awareness Week, MORE THAN and Dogs for Good have come together to help more families with autistic children overcome challenges posed by the pandemic and highlight the positive impact having a pet dog can have on mental health and learning development.

Aston spoke to Hannah Beal from Dogs For Good and vet Luke Mangion to chat about the positive impact having a pet dog can have and mental health and learning development in children and children with disabilities.

Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on Unsplash