When animals are present, children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have lower readings on a device that detects anxiety and other forms of social arousal when interacting with their peers.

Skin conductance levels of children with ASD rose for the first three conditions, but fell during the play session with guinea pigs. For reasons the researchers can’t explain, skin conductance levels of typically developing children rose during this session.

According to a study funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, companion animals — like dogs, cats or the guinea pigs in the study — may prove to be a helpful addition to treatment programs designed to help children with ASDs improve their social skills and interactions with other people.

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