New research partnership examines how animals help children with autism

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HABRI and Ernie Els Pet Products join to research the impact animals can have on 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/
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