Paws and Possibility: How Animals Help Neurodivergent Individuals Thrive with Dr. Aubrey Fine

In this heartfelt episode of Unmasking Social, Dr. Aubrey Fine joins us to explore the powerful, therapeutic role of animals in the lives of neurodivergent individuals. From his own transformation- from a child terrified of animals to a research pioneer in animal-assisted interventions - Dr. Fine offers insight into how the four-legged and two-legged connection can foster social connection in our ND's.

Together, we unpack the science behind the human-animal bond, its impact on anxiety, social engagement, and emotional growth/ resilience, and how animals can create internal self-regulation. Dr. Fine also reminds us that while animals offer unconditional love and acceptance, their welfare must always come first.  Aubrey’s primary research interests relate to the psycho-social impact on the human-animal bond, interactions, and animal-assisted interventions, social skills training, children with ADHD, and resilience in children.

Dr. Fine is not just an author and distinguished professor and psychologist, but has also been featured in a monthly column in Dog Fancy Magazine, The Loving Bond - speaking to the human-animal bond. He has been a guest on numerous national TV and Radio Shows, including ABC, Discovery Network, KTLA, NPR, PBS, Fox, and CNN programs. His work has also been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, People Magazine, Allure Magazine, The London Daily Telegraph, The Associated Press, as well as The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times. Dr. Fine is on the Board of Directors of Pet Partners. He is the past chair of the
Human Animal Bond Advisory Committee for Pet Partners and the steering committee on Human-Animal Interactions for the American Veterinary Medical Association.

You can find him and follow his work on https://www.aubreyhfine.com/

Follow Unmasking Social at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unmaskingsocial1
YouTube: Unmasking Social: The Podcast - YouTube