It is common now to hear of dogs been helpful with children on the autism spectrum. Research has shown that outcomes included improvements for multiple areas of functioning known to be impaired in ASD, namely increased social interaction and communication as well as decreased problem behaviors, autistic severity, and stress.
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23124442 M.E.O’Haire Author
On the other hand research by Davis et al 2015 advised that caregivers and practitioners are cautioned in selecting AAI as it is unclear the impact this may have in treating impairments in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours in children with ASD. They also point out that not all animals may want to serve as a therapist and argues that animals should never be forced to work
http://daddcec.org/Portals/0/CEC/Autism_Disabilities/Research/Publications/
Education_Training_Development_Disabilities/2015v50/ETADD_50(3)_316-329.pdf
