article_snippet: New research has revealed children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can benefit from  animal-assisted activities.
article_snippet: Animal-assisted activities provide a relatively simple and cost-effective means of helping families improve the social functioning of children with autism .
article_snippet: There have been extensive studies that show if an autistic child has an emotional connection with an animal they will become more independent, they self-esteem can improve, they communication skills advance and they become more self-reliant.'
highlights_snippet: Research shows autistic kids benefit from animal-assisted activities .
  
highlights_snippet: Research has found animal therapy can improve social functioning .
  