The autism spectrum covers a surprisingly broad range of individuals, personalities, perspectives, strengths, and challenges. Especially in light of emerging research, improved diagnostic methods, and better awareness and public perception, people who previously assumed they were “just different” are learning there’s more to it than that.
What autism looks like on the outside, and feels like on the inside, can be as unique as the individual themselves. That said, like so many things in medicine and science, there are patterns that can be observed, from common struggles, to common comforts.
Support animals, for example, have proven helpful for many individuals in coping with their difficulties and living happier lives. And honestly, once you understand some of the challenges living with autism can present, it’s not hard to see why.
A Brief Disclaimer
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and neurodiversity more broadly, can sometimes be a prickly subject. Human beings aren’t always the most adept at accounting for variances from the “norm,” and historically, our societies have had a bad habit of other-ing those who look or behave differently.
Individuals “on the spectrum” have been treated this way for years, with many organizations and treatment methods approaching ASD as a disease that should be cured. While public perception is changing, people in the autism community can still face misconceptions and mistreatment in unexpected places.
Even finding a consensus for terminology can be a struggle. Some may have a preference regarding whether “being autistic” or “having autism” should be used, a preference that is likely shaped in part by how they’ve been treated in the past.
Finally, other forms of neurodiversity (a term often preferred over “neurodivergence”) share quite a bit of overlap with autism, in symptoms, in struggles, and in solutions. What works for someone with autism often proves valuable for someone with ADHD, for example (if for different reasons).
So, for simplicity’s sake, and to be more inclusive, this article will treat neurodiverse individuals as the baseline, and only tag “allistic” people (those not on the spectrum) when the distinction is necessary.
“I Prefer Animals to People”: Emotional Support Animals and Autism
Despite the variety of presentations across the autism spectrum, there is a distinct list of frequent shared experiences reported, including:
- Difficulty reading and navigation social interactions
- Sensory input challenges (hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity)
- Troubles with emotional regulation and stress management
- Difficulties building and maintaining relationships
- Preferences for predictability, and aversion to sudden changes
With that very non-comprehensive list in mind, it might already start to make sense to allistic individuals. Household pets seem basically factory engineered to solve some of these issues. Below are some noteworthy highlights in that regard.
“A Boy and His Dog”
Allistic people often take for granted just how complex and nuanced social interactions tend to be. And, more importantly, how unforgiving they can be to those who don’t follow the script. The invisible rules that dictate how pleasantries are exchanged, proper protocol for making requests or declining invitations, and just about everything else…these things don’t feel intuitive and instinctive to everyone.
Interacting with an animal, though, that’s a bit more comfortable. It’s easier to know what a dog likes, or what the cat doesn’t appreciate. They tend to give pretty clear signals. They don’t get upset when you say the wrong thing or embarrass yourself. They don’t hold grudges (well, usually).
And critically, you can interact with an animal without using words at all.
“Soft Kitty; Warm Kitty”
For many on the spectrum, the way the brain processes sensory information is the linchpin that leads to them realizing they’re “different.” From coping with overstimulation, to “stimming” and seeking out particular sensations, cultivating a comfortable experience is virtually a necessity.
And perhaps you haven’t spoken to anyone but allistic people lately, but “soft” and “fuzzy” tend to be magic words in this corner of the universe.
Sensory preferences vary, but those who enjoy a warm, gently rumbling fluffball in close proximity to their person—well, it’s not exactly a minority.
“You Understand Me; Don’t You, Rex?”
Humans—of every persuasion—tend to suffer when isolated for too long. And if you’re already struggling to learn the steps to the dance, metaphorically speaking, you’re probably finding yourself standing against the wall more often than those around you.
When the rest of the world is too bright and too loud, and everyone else seems to speak a dialect you’re not sufficiently versed in, animals can often succeed in providing emotional support that’s difficult to find elsewhere.
Whether it’s a housepet that’s waiting when you come home, or a service animal that accompanies you everywhere, an animal can provide a level of stability and routine that’s desperately needed. They can offer companionship without expectation or judgement. They are ready at hand when you need them.
And they may even read your mental and emotional state better than members of your own species.
Service Animals, Support Animals, and Other Terms
Thus far, we’ve primarily been discussing emotional support animals (ESAs). But like so many topics in so many fields, there are some hairs to split regarding what role an animal fills, and how it’s handled.
A lot of this comes down to legalities. There are policies that govern things like disability status, service animal training, and the like. Such policies are meant to help bridge the gap between personal need and public safety, and knowing some of these distinctions can help you determine what you’re looking for (and what’s available to you).
Service Animal
This is the most commonly used term, and the most commonly confused one. A service animal is trained and certified in compliance with local regulations. In the US, this is done in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and as such, service animals (and their humans) are afforded a few uncommon privileges, including:
- Service animals are permitted to accompany the disabled person, even in public, or in places where animals are usually restricted.
- In most cases, disabled individuals cannot be separated from their service animal without their consent.
Emotional Support Animal
ESAs are the less formal counterpart to service animals. Where service animals are specially trained to aid people, accommodate for physical limitations, and safeguard against potential risks, support animals tend to be less specialized (though no less important).
Support animals help individuals with significant emotional or mental health struggles to more effectively cope with their challenges. They may be recommended by a doctor or psychiatric professional in a similar fashion to recommending therapy or prescribing medication, but it’s usually up to the individual to find a support animal that works for them.
What’s more, support animals often step in when service animals are otherwise inaccessible, such as due to cost, availability, or lack of disability recognition.
Facility/Working Animals
These animals are specially trained and certified like service animals, but rather than belonging to a single owner, they are “employed” by an organization.
What this looks like depends on the context—they may be therapy animals used in healthcare or rehabilitation. They may be used in emergency services, such as dogs used in search and rescue or to find explosives. Or they may be used in other professions, like education.
Notably, despite their training, these animals are only allowed in public as necessary for their specialized work (such as a police K-9 unit dispatched as part of an investigation).
Therapy Animals
Finally, we have therapy animals. This term, depending on how it’s used, is either a distinct category, or a synonym for one of the above. This may refer to an individual’s personal support animal. It may refer to working animals used at a healthcare facility.
In either case, the classification is still separate from service animals, and is thus subject to the same restrictions as all non-service companions.
Should I Get an Autism Service Dog, or ESA?
Ok, so if you’re considering picking up a furry friend (or insert your preferred sensory adjective here), what kind do you need?
Service animals—which are traditionally dogs—are most often used in cases of significant physical limitation or medical need. These are your seeing-eye dogs, your seizure-detection animals, and so forth. These tend to be the hardest to get your hands on. They’re more expensive, and usually require you to be approved based on need (especially if you’re sourcing the animal through any special programs to make it more affordable).
ESAs can be normal pets, just as you would adopt otherwise. They can be specially trained but don’t necessarily have to be. They’re easier to come by, and easier to afford in most cases. But you don’t benefit from the same protections as a dedicated service animal gets.
As for therapy animals, it may be that an animal companion is not the right fit, but some form of animal therapy is (equine therapy is a prime example).
Ultimately, this will depend on what you (or your loved one) needs in a practical sense, and what you can facilitate in a logistical sense. It can be a tough decision, and one that is heavily defined by your personal circumstances.
Learn more and find available help for you and your loved ones at inhomecare.com today to start towards safety, peace of mind, and independence.
