Our groundbreaking research project
Research conducted in collaboration with the University of Lincoln and the National Autistic Society demonstrates the positive impact of dogs in families with an autistic child.
The science behind the bond
In collaboration with the National Autistic Society and the University of Lincoln, we conducted a ground-breaking three-year research project into the impact that dogs can have on autistic children and their families. The study, published in 2016, provided key insights into how pet dogs can offer both emotional and practical support.
Researchers surveyed families with an autistic child, including those who had taken part in our family-focused workshops, to assess the effect a dog has on an autistic child and their family.
The research took place over a period time and assessed families both with and without a pet dog, so that the two groups could be compared.
Researchers surveyed 500 families as part of this project and found that:
85%
of families reported their child was happier in the presence of a family dog.
62%
of families said their child was less likely to have a meltdown.
69%
of parents showed significantly reduced stress levels.
Out of the 500 families who took part, 62 were tracked before and after they welcomed a dog into their lives. "There's a couple of interesting results that have come out," says Professor Daniel Mills, Head Researcher at the University of Lincoln. "The first is that there seems to be a major effect on the stress levels of the parent.
"There is one other measure that we've got and it makes a lot of sense," he goes onto explain. "What we've seen is a reduction in separation anxiety in the child."
"I shouldn't say this, I'm not particularly a dog person... But I've come to love them through the course of this project!" says Richard Mills, Head of Research at the National Autistic Society.
Every day, we see how small improvements add up to a large increase in the quality of life for the families we support, and this research project was a fantastic way of finding the data to support what we're seeing.
Funded by The National Lottery’s Big Lottery Fund, this was the first project of its kind. We are incredibly grateful to the families who took part and made this research possible.
See how pet dog, Max, made a difference for Emma and her family...
Can't find workshop dates that fit your schedule? Wondering how the programme works or whether it's right for your family? Fill out our contact form, and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly.
