Guinea pigs have a positive effect on youngsters with Autism

A study suggests an anti-stress effect of this animal on people with Autism.

We know from many studies that domestic animals can have very interesting therapeutic applications. We commented on this in articles such as cat therapy or therapy with dogs, but, as it is easy to see, it is not necessary to specifically use these animals to see progress in different types of mental health interventions.

For example, we now know that children with some form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may find benefits in the company of some curious beingsguinea pigs guinea pigsalso known as guinea pigs.

Animals that help people with autism

That is the conclusion reached by a team of U.S. researchers whose article has been published in the journal Developmental Psychobiology. Specifically, guinea pigs can influence youngsters with autism spectrum disorders by dampening their anxiety about adult contact and making it easier for them to focus on tasks related to others (or even take the initiative in interacting with others).

Generally speaking, these rodents act as a kind of socially rooted anxiolytic socially rooted, since their presence or company has effects on these children that are measurable at the physiological level.

Research

To carry out the study, the group of researchers took as a reference a group of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and another group of children without any diagnosed disorder. In total, the volunteer sample consisted of 99 children of primary school age.

The research used as an objective baseline measure the level of electrical conductivity of the skin, a way to indirectly estimate the children's state of mental arousal and stress.

To study their level of electrical activation through the skin, bracelets were placed on all the youngsters and then it was seen how different activities affected these measurements. The contexts studied to compare results were:

• Reading silently (to obtain baseline results).

• An activity at school that included having to read aloud.

• Free play time with toys and other people of the same age.

• Time to play freely with other people of the same age and with guinea pigs.

Results

The researchers found that the electrical activity measured in the skin of children with autism spectrum disorder was higher than that of other youngsters in all situations except in guinea pig play. Compared to the context in which they were able to play with toys, the play with guinea pigs produced a 43% lower level of activation.. This responded to the calming and anti-stress effect that these animals seem to have on children with ASD who interact with them.

A therapeutic companion

The interesting thing about this type of studies focusing on human-animal relationships is that the applications of their findings are inexpensive and easily applicable to many cases. The companionship of the guinea pigs has no negative effects on the youngsters and the use of this type of measures can be combined with other therapies and forms of intervention.. In addition, animals also enjoy interacting with other living beings and appreciate time spent playing.

There is no doubt that there is still a lot of progress to be made. Progress not only in terms of intervention measures for people diagnosed with ASD, but also in the type of research aimed at understanding the needs of these people and the ways in which society can adapt to them. For the time being, the company of pets such as guinea pigs can make things easier and make it easier for thousands of young people to learn to empathize and become involved in social dynamics of all kinds.