Family pets have a multitude of benefits for every member of the family. But a recent study has found that children with autism benefit even more from furry friends. The study looked at families with children between the ages of eight and 18 who had a pet. Researchers discovered that children who had autism and a pet at home were more likely to engage socially, even more so in situations where an animal was actually present. And it doesn’t really matter what kind of animal, it could be a fish or a dog, both proved to be beneficial.