Keeping Cats, According To Studies Able To Support The Development Of Social Skills For Children With Autism

Ilustrasi kucing (Unsplash / Yerlin Matu)

JAKARTA - Adopting a pet certainly requires responsibility so that all of its life needs are guaranteed, including raising cats. This cute furry animal is the most favorite to be a pet.

In addition to their adorable behavior, keeping cats is also beneficial for reducing heart risk, stress, releasing aspects of affection, and based on studies it has been found that keeping cats can support the development of social skills in autistic children.

This study report was published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, the research was conducted by Gretchen K. Carlisle, Rebecca A. Johnson, Ze Wang, Jessica Bibbo, Nancy Cheak-Zamora, and Leslie A. Lyons with the headline Exploratory Study of Cat Adoption In Families of Children With Autism: Impact on Children Social Skills and Anxiety.

Cats can be valuable companions for children with autism. Children with autism have greater empathy and less anxiety. Plus problem behavior is less likely after having a cat.

With a cat in the house, environmental changes will be more positive and able to reduce children's anxiety and have a positive effect on all family members.

Carlisle says that their research proves that cats can be companion animals for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Carlisle from the Center for Human-Animal Interaction Research at the University of Missouri found that cats offer something unique.

When compared to dogs, cats are classified as calmer animals. They don't need extra care because they tend to be independent animals. On the plus side, cats are less of a burden to children with ASD and their families.

This study involved 15 children with ASD and their families who were randomly selected. The fifteen families adopted the cats from the shelter. After 18 weeks, the families were divided into two groups. Children with ASD are between 6 and 14 years of age.

Data were collected in the study 3 times, namely at weeks 6, 12, and 18. Assessment related to social skills and children's anxiety.

Of the 10 families that still keep cats, it is reported that the children and their families report a strong bond with the cat after 2-3 days of adoption. In the second week, the child's level of empathy increases. The previous week the ASD child's stressful behavior decreased. Hyperactivity levels are also reduced.

Researchers have shown that cats have calming properties and reduce angry outbursts, hyperactivity, and reduce family stress. Carlisle recommends that cats who have a calm demeanor have a more positive effect on ASD children.

Although ASD children and families need an introductory process and need to be properly informed about the care of cute and furry animals when they start adopting, the benefits are very valuable.