Disability Scoop (5/12, Heasley) reports dogs and cats “may help relieve stress for families of children with autism, researchers say.” A study “looking at the experiences of 764 families with children on the spectrum finds that having a dog or cat is associated with lower stress for both kids with autism and their parents.” Lead study author Gretchen Carlisle said, “As pets can help increase interaction and decrease anxiety, we found that they are not only helpful in providing comfort and support to children with autism, but to their parents as well.” Study participants “completed an online survey asking about themselves, their child and their relationships with any pets in their household.”.