Autism, pets, and the importance of seeing human.

This study looked at how autistic and non-autistic pet owners relate to their pets. Both groups were equally likely to see human-like qualities in their pets. However, autistic pet owners felt lonelier and were more likely to see pets as substitutes for human friendships. The findings suggest pets may play an important emotional support role for autistic adults and could be valuable in therapy programs.

This study compared anthropomorphism (seeing human-like qualities in non-humans) between autistic and neurotypical pet owners. Contrary to previous research suggesting autistic individuals anthropomorphize less, the study found equal levels of anthropomorphism in both groups. However, autistic pet owners reported greater loneliness and were more likely to substitute pets for human relationships. Neurotypical owners focused more on physical traits of pets, while autistic owners rated physical and human-like traits equally.

The research found positive correlations between anthropomorphism, connection to nature, and autistic traits, challenging assumptions about reduced anthropomorphism in autism and highlighting the therapeutic potential of animal-based interventions.

Findings support the therapeutic potential of animal-assisted interventions for autistic adults, particularly for addressing loneliness. The equal capacity for anthropomorphism suggests pet-based therapies should not be dismissed for autistic individuals. Results indicate pets may serve as meaningful social connections and emotional support.

Sample size not reported. Study type unclear, limiting assessment of methodological rigor. Abstract does not provide demographic details or control for confounding variables. Unclear how autism diagnosis was confirmed or autistic traits measured.

People often see the human in the nonhuman, a process called anthropomorphism. Anthropomorphism is particularly prolific regarding the humanization of pets. Some research suggests that people with autism may not anthropomorphize to the same degree as neurotypicals. In this study, we explored whether there were differences in how autistic and neurotypical pet owners anthropomorphized their pets.

We also examined differences in levels of connectedness to nature and experiences of loneliness and how this corresponded to autistic traits in the entire sample. We found anthropomorphism was as common among autistic pet owners as in neurotypicals. However, autistic pet owners reported greater loneliness and were more likely to substitute pets for people. We also found that neurotypical pet owners rated pets more highly on physical, non-anthropomorphic traits (i.e., muscular, active).

In contrast, autistic pet owners were likelier to rate pets equally between physical and anthropomorphic traits. Moreover, we found that anthropomorphism and connection to nature were positively correlated with autistic traits. These findings challenge accounts stating that individuals with autism may not anthropomorphize to the same degree as neurotypicals. Implications for animal-based interventions supporting adults on the spectrum are discussed.