The treatment approach we use at Family Psychiatry & Therapy is holistic and adaptable. This means we take steps to ensure we consider every aspect of our patient’s health when caring for their mental health. Among the techniques we apply when working with our patients is pet therapy. Patients of every age and background can benefit from the open and trusting connections we can form with animals. This approach to therapy has proven to be particularly effective when working with autistic children. If you’re wondering how pet therapy works and if it might be effective for your child, keep reading.
How Pet Therapy Improves Results With Autistic Children
Autism spectrum disorder can significantly impact the ability to communicate and socialize effectively. While traditional therapeutic methods can also be effective and help them make significant progress, pet therapy can help make these treatments more effective. Pet Therapy provides a therapeutic experience that is engaging, interactive, and comforting for the child. The pets used in these treatments are specially trained to engage in their task and are often cats, dogs, or small rodents.
Some of the important benefits associated with pet therapy include:
- Emotional – Interacting with an animal can help reduce stress, induce calm, and ease anxiety. This can also help boost their self-esteem as pets provide a non-judgmental source of comfort and companionship.
- Social Development – Pets can be amazing social facilitators and children with autism often find interacting less stressful than interacting with others. These interactions can help them improve their social skills and communication skills.
- Sensory Stimulation – Petting an animal provides a soothing sensory experience for many children with autism. This helps them by providing a helpful avenue for regulating their sensory experiences.
- Responsibility And Routine – Caring for a pet can help build important life skills in autistic children. Developing and adhering to a routine can serve as the foundation for broader mental and social development.
The Family Psychiatry & Therapy Team is dedicated to providing effective therapeutic options for your child. Every patient’s needs are different, and we all experience unique challenges. Pet therapy is one approach that can help patients of every age and background develop important skills and progress toward their therapy goals. This treatment is most effective when combined with a comprehensive, integrated therapy program aimed at helping your child develop in multiple areas. We’re here to help provide the structure, therapy options, and support your child needs to excel.
Experience The Benefits Of Pet Therapy With Your Autistic Child Today
The team at Family Psychiatry & Therapy is dedicated to supporting our patients and their families with exceptional and effective support services. We do this by working closely with them and developing treatment approaches that are specialized and tailored to their specific needs. Pet therapy is an important part of our services and can help improve the results achieved with other therapeutic approaches when used in tandem. Learn more by calling our offices at (201) 977-2889 or stopping by one of our locations in Paramus, Upper Saddle River, Patereson, or East Orange, NJ.
