New research partnership examines how animals help children with autism

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The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced a new partnership with Ernie Els Pet Products to collaborate on their shared goal: strengthening the human-animal bond. More specifically, the partnership will focus on the role that the human-animal bond can play in helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).¹

“HABRI is grateful for the support of Ernie Els Pet Products, a company with a clear mission to empower pet owners to become champions for change and strengthen the human-animal bond,” Steven Feldman, president of HABRI, said in a news release.¹

In studies exploring the significance of the human-animal bond in children with autism, animal-assisted intervention (AAI) was found to be effective in children with ASD.³ The children demonstrated increased social functioning, safety, independence, and socio-emotional functioning.³ Additional research has proved animal assisted therapy (AAT) to be beneficial when integrated into more traditional interventions for children with ASD.⁴ Studies suggested that the children demonstrated significantly greater use of language and significantly greater social interaction in sessions that involved animals.⁴ Similar studies regarding the benefit of service dogs, equine-assisted activities, and small animals, on children with ASD all showed similar, positive results.² One HABRI-funded study found dog ownership associated with higher family harmony among families with children with ASD.⁵

“At Ernie Els Pet Products, we are dedicated to creating a world where the companionship we share with our pets helps foster a more compassionate and inclusive society,” Mark Segal, CEO of Ernie Els Pet Products, said of the partnership.¹ “This vision drives our dedication to improving the lives of pets and people with high-quality products that prioritize health while benefiting the autism community. Through our partnership with HABRI, we will be able to communicate the science behind the human-animal bond with our customers and help advance important research to benefit children with [ASD].”

In June 2024, HABRI announced that they’d be funding a study at Colorado State University on the human-animal connection in cancer survivors.⁶ More specifically, the researchers set out to uncover challenges that cancer survivors face in caring for their pets throughout treatment, and into recovery. HABRI, a non-for-profit organization, has been funding research on health benefits of the human-animal connection since its formation in 2010.⁷

References

1. Ernie Els Pet Products Joins with HABRI to Champion Research on Autism and the Human-Animal Bond. News release. Inspire PR group. August 15, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024.
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder. Human Animal Bond Research Institute. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://habri.org/research/child-health/autism/
3. O’Haire M. Review of current evidence and future directions in animal-assisted invervention for children with autism. OA autism. 2013;1(1):6-10.
4. Sams MJ, Fortney EV, Willenbring S. Occupational therapy incorporating animals for children with autism: A pilot investigation. Am J Occup Ther. 2006;60(3):268-274. doi:10.5014/ajot.60.3.268
5. Hall S, Wright H, Hames A, Mills D. The Long-Term Benefits of Dog Ownership in Families with Children with Autism. J Vet Behav. 2016;13. doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2016.04.003
6. McCafferty C. HABRI awards research grant to Colorado State University. June 21, 2024. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.dvm360.com/view/habri-awards-research-grant-to-colorado-state-university
7. About HABRI. Human Animal Bond Research Institute. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://habri.org/about/