At New Directions Rugby, we offer a wide range of support services and meaningful activities as part of our Community Choices Network. Pet therapy is one of the things we encourage whether that be us having canine visitors or supporting individuals to volunteer at a local animal charity. Today, we’re going to explain why this is such a beneficial activity.
The reasons why pet therapy is beneficial for people with autism
Pet therapy has wide-ranging benefits for people with autism (as well as people with other conditions too). For now, we’ll just focus on people with autism and how therapy pets can help them feel socially and emotionally secure. They can also improve emotional wellbeing and develop sensory integration.
Reduction in stress and anxiety
A therapy pet can make a perfect companion to battle a sudden bout of anxiety and restlessness: they are known for offering relief from stress. The presence of therapy pets offers a sense of security for those with autism.
Improved mood
Therapy pets can sense and feel the emotions of the people they are attending to. A therapy pet can sometimes reduce the severity or circumvent the onset of a meltdown.
Easier communication and social engagement
Being around, or having, a therapy pet can help overcome difficulties with socialising. The dog acts as a social catalyst who can help break the ice and motivate people to mingle with others. In doing so, it becomes easier to bond with others. Studies have shown that autistic individuals are more engaged, friendly, and talkative when a dog is present as well as being less aggressive
Increased vocal skills
Individuals with autism may have impaired communication skills but they are known to speak more frequently when a therapy pet is around. They can bring significant change in those who are speech challenged or nonverbal by promoting speech.
The wider benefits of pet therapy
In addition to the direct benefits of pet therapy to the individual with autism, there are also wider indirect benefits for those around them i.e., creating a sense of peace and strength. In turn, they also feel more relaxed and experience less stress.
How New Directions encourages pet therapy
Alongside our canine visitors and encouraging those we support to volunteer at local animal shelters, we often invite our furry friends to come and visit us at New Directions Rugby.
Last year, we held a fantastic New Years’ Eve party and invited the alpacas from The Alpaca Pals along to join us.
Alpacas have become increasingly popular as therapy animals due to their gentle nature and soft fur. We loved spending time with them and learned so much about them.
If you’d like to find out how our Community Choices Network could help you or a loved one, please get in touch.